Sociodemographic Characteristics Research Articles

The impact of conditional cash transfer (CCT) on health and education in a coastal community: A randomized control trial (RCT) and regression discontinuity design (RDD)

This study evaluates the impact of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), a national conditional cash transfer (CCT) on the health and education of beneficiaries in the coastal community of Maangas, Presentacion, Camarines Sur. It compares households receiving 4Ps benefits to a control group of non-recipients with similar sociodemographic characteristics to establish counterfactuals. Using a Randomized Control Trial (RCT) approach, data were collected from 157 participants in each treatment and control group through structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics were utilized to analyze the economic profiles of respondents, revealing diverse representations. Logistic regression models unveiled significant correlations between attendance, dropout rates, and various predictor variables, notably the 4Ps program and eligibility, location, household size, and perceptions. Regarding health outcomes, the analysis demonstrates the positive impact of 4Ps membership on reducing child mortality, improving child growth, and promoting healthcare-seeking behaviors. Factors such as clinic visits, health insurance, and health beliefs also significantly influence health outcomes. RDD underscores the effectiveness of the 4Ps program in poverty alleviation, with eligibility playing a key role in enhancing income outcomes among beneficiaries. Prioritizing access to healthcare services, reinforcing the importance of regular clinic visits, and optimizing child health outcomes are crucial steps towards sustainability of the program. Tailored interventions based on enrollment status and academic performance can help prevent student attrition. Providing aid to coastal communities and embedding livelihood support programs in 4Ps can break the cycle of poverty by integrating these initiatives into the current structure of the program.

Patterns of Infertility and Sociodemographic Characteristics among Patients with Infertility Attending Benjamin Mkapa Hospital in Tanzania: Analytical Cross-Sectional Study

(1) Background: Infertility is a global health problem that affects one of six couples worldwide, leading to significant negative impacts on their quality of life. Despite numerous studies on infertility patterns and sociodemographic characteristics, there remains a lack of clarity on these aspects among patients seeking care in Tanzania. (2) Methods: This hospital-based analytical cross-sectional study aimed to determine infertility patterns and sociodemographic characteristics among 385 randomly selected male and female patients attending the Benjamin Mkapa Hospital. Structured interviews using a clinical proforma collected data on the patterns of infertility and sociodemographic characteristics of the participants. The analysis included descriptive statistics and logistic regression. (3) Results: The findings indicated that the dominant pattern of infertility for both male and female participants was secondary infertility, accounting for 59.00% (228). Multivariate logistic regression analysis for both male and female patients revealed sociodemographic characteristics of infertility: age (38–43) years, AOR 5.068, 95% CI 1.573–16.33, p = 0.007), and duration of cohabiting or marriage of more than 10 years (AOR 0.406,95% CI 0.189–0.873, p = 0.021). (4) Conclusion: Integrating reproductive health education on appropriate fertility age into the reproductive health package and enhancing fertility care in public hospitals in Tanzania is recommended.

Digital Health Utilization in Spinal Cord Injury: A Descriptive Study of a Population-Based Prospective Cohort.

The objective of this study was to describe the use of digital health tools by people with spinal cord injury and associated factors. Cross-sectional data from the 2022 Swiss Spinal Cord Injury Cohort Study (SwiSCI) were analyzed. Descriptive statistics summarized data regarding sociodemographic characteristics, self-management, health, and digital health usage. Multiple logistic regression analysis examined the association of digital health use with reasons of use, concerns, confidence, sociodemographic characteristics, self-management, and comorbidities. Among 961 participants, 69% used digital health tools. Females were 1.79 times more likely to adopt them. People aged 60-70 had 3.84 times higher usage rates than 18-30 yrs old. Longer spinal cord injury duration increased usage by 0.98 times/year. Confidence using digital tools and positive health attitudes predicted usage. Comorbidities were positively correlated with usage. Concerns about digital health utilization had no significant impact. Our study provides one of the first comprehensive descriptions of digital health utilization in spinal cord injury. Its findings shed light on the intricate factors influencing digital health utilization, contribute to a deeper understanding of this patient population, and pave the way for more targeted and effective digital tools and strategies for their uptake.

Examining select sociodemographic characteristics of sub-county geographies for public health surveillance

BackgroundMapping health outcomes related to environmental health hazards at the county level can lead to a simplification of risks experienced by populations in that county. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Environmental Public Health Tracking Program has developed sub-county geographies that aggregate census tracts to allow for stable, minimally suppressed data to be displayed. This helps to highlight more local variation in environmental health outcomes and risk data. However, we wanted to understand whether the aggregation method used was aggregating sociodemographically similar or dissimilar areas with one another. This analysis attempts to explore whether the distributions of select people who may be at increased risk for exposure to environmental health hazards as identified by the Tracking Program are preserved in these sub-county geographies with the census tracts used as the foundation to create them.MethodsMean values of three sociodemographic characteristics (persons aged 65 years and older, people from racial and ethnic minority groups, and population below the poverty level) for each sub-county geography in five states were calculated and placed into five break groups. Differences in break groups were determined and compared for each sub-county geography and census tract.ResultsThe sociodemographic characteristics among the census tracts and two aggregated sub-county geographies were similar. In some instances, census tracts with a low population or a highly skewed population (e.g., very high percentage of population aged 65 years and older) were aggregated with dissimilar census tracts out of necessity to meet the requirements set by the Tracking Program’s aggregation methodology. This pattern was detected in 2.41-6.59% of census tracts within the study area, depending on the sociodemographic variable and aggregation level.ConclusionsThe Tracking Program’s sub-county aggregation methodology aggregates census tracts with similar characteristics. The two new sub-county geographies can serve as a potential option for health officials and policymakers to develop targeted interventions using finer resolution health outcome and environmental hazard data compared to coarser resolution county-level data.

Precarious employment and associations with socio-demographic characteristics and self-reported health in Wales, UK

ObjectivesThe study's aim was to explore the prevalence of precarious employment (PE) in Wales prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and examine associations with PE domains across socio-demographics and self-reported health. Study designA cross-sectional design was used to explore the prevalence of PE in Wales prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, in February 2020. MethodsData were collected from a national household survey carried out in May/June 2020, with a sample of 1032 residents in Wales. PE was determined using the Employment Precariousness Scale. Associations between experiencing PE and socio-demographic/health characteristics were examined using Chi-squared tests and logistic regression models (multinomial and binary). ResultsOverall, before the pandemic, one in four respondents (26.5%) was in PE, with the most prevalent domains, wages, and disempowerment being experienced by at least 50% of respondents. Worse perceived treatment at work was twice as likely in those reporting pre-existing conditions (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.45 95% confidence interval [CI]: [1.33–4.49]), poorer general health (aOR: 2.33 95% CI: [1.22–4.47]), or low mental wellbeing (aOR: 2.81 95% CI: [1.34–5.88]). Those with high wage precariousness were three times more likely to report low mental wellbeing (aOR 3.12 95% CI [1.54–6.32]). ConclusionsThe creation and provision of secure, adequately paid job opportunities has the potential to reduce the prevalence of PE in Wales. Targeting such employment opportunities to those people currently unwell would have better population health gains.

The effect of participatory action research on HPV primary preventive measures among in-school adolescents in Benue State, Nigeria

BackgroundIndividuals with a higher level of awareness and knowledge of HPV are more likely to dispel misconceptions about HPV and reduce their likelihood of engaging in risky sexual behavior. Behavioural change can be achieved through interventions such as participatory action research (PAR), which has been applied in various contexts. Few studies have reported on the use of PAR in Nigeria. This study aims to utilise PAR as an intervention to increase HPV awareness, improve knowledge of HPV infection, and promote behavioural change for HPV prevention among young adolescents in Benue State, Nigeria.MethodsThe study design uses a school-based, pre-post intervention approach with a cross-sectional component. Study participants are young adolescents aged 10–19 years in selected co-educational secondary schools in three local government areas (LGAs) spread across the three senatorial zones in Benue State, Nigeria. Two-stage sampling was used to select the LGAs and schools, and the sample size was computed using the before and after implementation with some prior information from a previous study. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, HPV awareness and knowledge of infection and prevention, prevention practices, and willingness for HPV vaccination were obtained with a self-administered semi-structured questionnaire adapted from the Vaccination and HPV Knowledge (THinK) survey. The HPV Knowledge survey (New Zealand) was utilized to collect information from students at baseline and post-implementation after PAR intervention. The Wilcoxon Signed Test (WST) was used to investigate the significance of the median differences before and after the intervention. A p-value less than 0.05 or 0.001 was considered significant.ResultsA total of 548 adolescents were sampled before the intervention. After the intervention, the sample size decreased to 503, reflecting an 8% attrition rate. PAR effectively increased HPV awareness among the participants from 80.9% before the intervention to 99.8% afterward. The PAR led to a significant change in knowledge of HPV infection and primary prevention and an increase in perception of HPV primary prevention. decrease in misconceptions and risky sexual behaviours, increase in HIV screening tests, and increase in the willingness of participants to uptake the HPV vaccine. Among the measures of risky sexual behaviours was a decreased perception that having more than one sexual partner is not a risk factor for HPV after the PAR intervention. The number of participants in sexual relationships decreased from 84 (16.7%) at baseline to 37 (7.4%) post-implementation. The PAR also led to a decrease in the number of participants who reported having STDs. The Wilcoxon Signed test was further disaggregated based on sex (male and female), school funding type (public and private), and school class level (junior and senior).ConclusionsPAR led to a significant increase in awareness and knowledge of HPV, knowledge of different aspects of HPV infection, and willingness to uptake the HPV vaccine. Additionally, the study has provided evidence that PAR interventions can be a viable tool in delaying sexual initiation and reducing sexual behavioural tendencies, especially in high-risk groups.

Perceptions of improvements and mental health outcomes of micro-renewal in old Danwei community: a survey of residents in Hengyang, China

IntroductionDanwei communities are a testament to China’s socialist urban development, characterized by the self-sufficiency, strong social networks, and institutional management. In the historical context of urban development in China, many old communities have evolved from former housing areas of Danwei. After more than 40 years of use, the buildings, and environments in the old Danwei communities remain in disrepair, dirty, disorderly and poor condition. Many functions have failed that negatively affect the quality of life and health of residents. After Covid-19, improving the mental health of residents has become a major goal of public policies in various countries.MethodsTo explore the residents’ mental health in the micro-renewal, this study carried out a survey regarding residents’ evaluation on the micro-renewal and their mental health in two renewed Danwei communities in Hengyang, China. More than 800 respondents joined the interview, among them, 634 samples are effective for analysis. Entropy-TOPSIS is applied to analyze the weights of various indicators of micro-renewal. And multinominal logit model is used to examine the relationship between the personal factors, satisfaction on various items of micro-renewal and mental health.Results and DiscussionThe findings indicates that the mental health level of residents living in Danwei community is affected by micro-renewal. The socio-demographic characteristics and behavior factors can influence on the possibility of being in different levels of mental health. The satisfaction on the components of micro-renewal and improvements after micro-renewal is also determiner of residents’ mental health level. In addition, the heterogeneity is address in mental health.

Risk Factor Analysis and Predictive Model Development for Problematic Internet Gaming Disorder Occurrence

<div> <p><strong>Aim </strong>To examine several aspects, such as sociodemographic, psychological, personality, and parenting characteristics, that may contribute to the occurrence of PIGD in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Additionally, the study intends to create a model that can accurately predict people who are at high risk of developing PIGD.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></p> </div> <div> <p><strong>Methods. </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted on 350 participants aged 15-25 years in Yogyakarta. The data was gathered through the use of a questionnaire that consisted of demographic measures: the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale—Short Form (IGDS9-SF), the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21), the Big Five Inventory (BFI), and the Parenting Style Questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression was utilized for data analysis in order to identify relevant risk factors and construct a risk prediction model.</p> </div> <div> <p><span class="apple-converted-space"><strong>Results. </strong></span>The study revealed that certain sociodemographic characteristics (male and student), psychological factors (depression, anxiety, and stress), personality traits (high neuroticism, low conscientiousness), and authoritarian parenting style were all significant predictors of the occurrence of PIGD. These characteristics led to the creation of the risk prediction model, which demonstrated strong performance with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.85 (95% CI 0.80-0.90).</p> </div> <div> <p><strong>Conclusion. </strong>Multifaceted issue and variety of risk factors influence PIGD. This study's risk prediction model can effectively identify individuals at a heightened risk of developing PIGD. This allows for early and targeted preventative and treatment interventions to be implemented.</p> </div>

The Lived Experiences of Older Adults with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Patient Perspectives.

Little is known about perceptions of aging among individuals living with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Gaining this knowledge could help to identify targets for future behavioral interventions aimed at successful aging with SLE. This qualitative study sought to elicit the lived experiences, and essence, of aging from older adults with SLE. We conducted semi-structured interviews with adults ≥65 years of age with SLE seen at a single tertiary center. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically using a phenomenological approach. We collected data on sociodemographic characteristics and disease features prior to each qualitative interview. Among 30 participants with mean age of 71.3 years and mean SLE duration of 26.3 years (range 5 to 62 years), four overarching themes emerged to describe the essence of aging with SLE: SLE and comorbid conditions, cumulative impact of SLE symptoms, SLE disease trajectory, and self-perceptions of aging. Older adults with SLE shared variable aging experiences, including perspectives on multimorbidity and disease trajectory and self-perceptions of aging. We identified both positive and negative self-perceptions of aging, often informed by participants' lived experiences of cumulative impact of SLE symptoms and SLE disease trajectory and underscoring the diversity of their experiences. Understanding self-perceptions of aging in this population could inform development of evidence-based strategies to empower older adults with SLE to harness their positivity and resilience and thus improve health-related outcomes, including health-related quality of life.

Resilient Coping Levels and Psychometric Properties of the Brief Resilient Coping Scale Among Nursing Professionals in Saudi Arabia.

This cross-sectional survey assessed resilient coping levels and their relationship with the sociodemographic characteristics of nursing professionals in Saudi Arabia. Adult (≥18 years) registered nurses who had been practicing for ≥1 year were included in the study. Resilient coping levels (as assessed via a 4-item Brief Resilience Coping Scale; BRCS) and the data of sociodemographic and other characteristics were collected. Descriptive analysis and ordinal logistic regression were used to analyze the data. Furthermore, the psychometric properties of the BRCS are also reported. Overall, 216 nursing professionals were included. The mean BRCS score was 14.6 (standard deviation = 3.6), with most nursing professionals (62.5%) reporting medium-to-high resilience coping levels. The ordinal logistic regression model demonstrated that nurses with increasing age (p = 0.002), best overall health (p = 0.001), and in the outpatient department (p = 0.049) and intensive care unit (p = 0.032) had significantly high resilient coping levels. The internal consistency of the BRCS was good (Cronbach's alpha = 0.80). The results of the exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis clearly indicate a unidimensional solution with one factor. In summary, most nursing professionals in Saudi Arabia showed medium-to-high resilience coping levels. Moreover, this study suggests that the BRCS was found to be a psychometrically reliable and adequate tool for assessing resilience coping levels and provides valuable insights into the relationship between resilient coping levels and the sociodemographic characteristics of nursing professionals in Saudi Arabia.

Exploring the prevalence, awareness, and attitudes toward dietary supplements and anabolic hormones use among sportsmen in Beheira governorate, Egypt

BackgroundSportsmen are more likely to make the use of dietary supplements and hormones to increase adaptations to physical exercise and improve performance. The study aimed to assess the prevalence, awareness, and attitude toward dietary supplements and anabolic hormone use among sportsmen in Beheira governorate, Egypt. MethodsThe study used the cross-sectional study design and systematic random sample to include 400 participants to achieve the aim. Structured questionnaires were composed of 4 parts; sociodemographic characteristics, pattern of dietary and anabolic hormone uptake, knowledge about dietary supplements and anabolic hormones, and a scale to assess the attitude toward self-prescribed dietary supplements or anabolic hormones. ResultsThe study revealed that 58.3% of participants used dietary supplements and that 31.2% of the sample reported using hormones. Approximately half (48.5%) of the sample demonstrated adequate knowledge about dietary supplements. Conversely, 19.8% of the sample had adequate knowledge about anabolic hormones; 39.5% had an opposing attitude toward the use of dietary supplements, whereas about a quarter (24.3%) of the sample had an opposing attitude regarding the anabolic hormones. ConclusionAn alarming proportion of the studied sample used dietary supplements and hormones without consulting specialists. The levels of knowledge and attitude regarding these supplements were relatively low. It was noticed that higher levels of knowledge and attitude regarding dietary supplements and hormones were associated with a decreased likelihood of usage. It is recommended to implement educational programs aimed at increasing awareness among gym trainees about the proper use of dietary supplements and hormones and advocate for increased utilization of nutritional specialists and healthcare professionals among gym trainees before initiating the use of dietary supplements and hormones.

Usefulness of self-guided digital services among mental health patients: The role of health confidence and sociodemographic characteristics

BackgroundRemote services provided via telephone or the internet have become an essential part of mental health provision. Alongside services involving healthcare personnel (HCP), self-guided digital services hold great promise for improved self-management and health outcomes without increasing the burden on HCP. Therefore, better understanding of patients’ use and experienced benefits of these services are needed. This study investigated how health confidence and sociodemographic background are associated with mental health patients’ experiences of self-guided digital services. MethodsThis cross-sectional survey study was performed in 2022 at a Finnish Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (MHSAS) unit of a regional public service provider that serves a population of about 163000 people. All patients who had visited the unit up to 6 months before the study were invited to respond to an online survey on their experiences with the remote MHSAS. We report the average subjective usefulness of telephone, guided digital and self-guided digital services. Regression models were fitted to study the associations of patient characteristics with use of any digital service, and with experienced usefulness of self-guided digital services.Findings. The respondents (n = 438) rated the usefulness of telephone, guided digital and self-guided digital services similarly (4.0/5.0, 3.9/5.0, and 3.9/5.0, respectively). Health confidence was associated with not using digital services at all as well as with high perceived usefulness of self-guided services. While elderly patients were more likely to avoid using digital services, age was not associated with experienced usefulness of self-guided digital services. No association between unemployment status and experiences of digital services was found. ConclusionsDifferent types of remote services are perceived as beneficial by mental health patients. To ensure effectiveness and equity, patients’ health confidence should be considered when directing them to self-guided services. Elderly mental health patients who use digital services are equally able as younger patients to benefit from self-guided services.

Mothers Falling Asleep During Infant Feeding.

Falling asleep while feeding (FAF) infants is common. Our primary objectives were to examine (1) maternally reported prevalence of FAF and if planned; (2) association between FAF and sociodemographic factors, feeding method, and sleep location; and (3) if receipt of education about safe sleep and bedsharing risks was associated with FAF. In the Social Media and Risk-reduction Training study, US mothers of newborns were randomized to educational messaging promoting infant safe sleep or breastfeeding. We analyzed data from 1259 mothers who responded to the postpartum survey (mean infant age, 11.2 weeks). We used generalized estimating equation logistic regression models to examine the extent that sociodemographic characteristics, feeding type, usual nighttime feeding location, and intervention group were associated with FAF. A total of 28.2% of mothers reported FAF usually or sometimes in the last 2 weeks, 83.4% of whom reported that FAF was unplanned. There were no differences in the odds of FAF by sociodemographic factors. Compared with mothers whose nighttime feeding location was their bed, mothers who reported feeding in a chair were less likely to FAF (33.6% versus 16.8%; adjusted odds ratio, 0.41; 95% confidence interval, 0.31-0.56). FAF was reported less frequently by mothers who received safe sleep interventions (15.6%), compared with mothers who received breastfeeding interventions (33.0%; adjusted odds ratio, 0.40; 95% confidence interval, 0.25-0.65). FAF is reported commonly among US mothers and is predominantly unplanned. Mothers who received safe sleep messaging were less likely to report FAF. New parents need guidance on planning for optimal safety during infant feeding.

Patterns of Emerging Tobacco Product Use Among U.S. Adults, 2019-2022.

Quantifying the use of emerging tobacco products such as nicotine pouches (NPs) and heated tobacco products (HTPs) is crucial for informing public health interventions and measuring their potential effects on tobacco use morbidity, mortality and benefits from complete tobacco cessation. Using data from the May 2019 and September 2022 cycles of the Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey (TUS-CPS), we calculated U.S. population-wide estimates of ever and/or current use of NPs and HTPs by key socio-demographic characteristics, cigarette smoking status and preference of characterizing flavors in NPs. We present weighted frequencies, proportions and associated 95% confidence intervals. Analyses were conducted in 2024. In both survey cycles, a substantial fraction of adults who ever used HTPs had never smoked cigarettes (52.0% in 2019; 27.4% in 2022). Among those who currently used HTPs or NPs (2022 only), many reported having never smoked cigarettes (42.5% and 41.4%, respectively), while many also reported currently smoking (32.2% and 24.8%, respectively). We observed similar sociodemographic characteristics across use of both HTPs and NPs. Mint was the most common flavor choice among adults who currently used NPs (52.8%). Continued surveillance of emerging tobacco products such as HTPs and NPs can inform public health approaches and support future research to better quantify the health consequences from these products.

Perceptions, Uses, and Information Sources of Medical Cannabis Among Patients with Cancer

Purpose: While medical cannabis (MC) has been shown to relieve cancer- and treatment-related symptoms, there is increasing misinformation regarding its anti-tumor efficacy. We aimed to identify opportunities for oncologists to communicate evidence-based guidance to patients regarding its use. Methods: Patients with cancer seen in radiation oncology clinic between June 2022 and July 2023 were surveyed with a questionnaire regarding their perceptions and information sources of MC. Associations between survey responses and demographic and disease variables were evaluated. Qualitative thematic analysis was performed on narrative responses in search of common themes. Results: Eighty-four patients (84% completion rate) were included in the analysis. Most (83.3%) strongly agreed or agreed that MC can provide symptom relief, while a subset of patients (15.5%) strongly agreed or agreed that MC can cure cancer. This latter subcohort was significantly more likely to identify as Hispanic/Latino (38.5% versus 9.9%, p= 0.009) and less likely to be up to date on COVID vaccinations (30.8% versus 8.5%, p= 0.044). Identifying as Hispanic/Latino remained significantly associated with strongly agreeing or agreeing that MC can cure cancer on bivariate analysis (odds ratio 6.528, 95% CI 1.477-28.715, p=0.012). Education level, other sociodemographic characteristics, and sources for information about MC were not significantly different between these patients. Thematic analysis revealed that patients hoped to learn more about MC from their oncologists but perceived them to be unknowledgeable on the subject. Conclusions: While most patients consider MC to be a valuable addition to conventional therapies for managing refractory symptoms, a subset believed it had potential as an anti-cancer therapy. Many patients rely on unregulated sources, highlighting the need for providers to address misinformation, bridge knowledge gaps, and clarify its use.

Prevalence of Cannabis Use Among US Workers in 15 States, 2016-2020.

Objectives. To examine the prevalence of cannabis use among US workers using data from the US Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) during 2016 to 2020. Methods. We analyzed past 30-day cannabis use among US workers. We calculated weighted prevalence and adjusted prevalence ratios (APRs) of cannabis use for working adults by industry groups, occupation groups, and sociodemographic characteristics (e.g., sex, education, age, race/ethnicity). Results. During the 5-year survey period, the weighted prevalence of past 30-day cannabis use among adult US workers from the 15 states included in the BRFSS was 10.7%. The industry group with the highest weighted prevalence of use was accommodation and food services (20.7%), and the highest-ranking occupation group was food preparation and service (21.9%). The industry group with the highest APR was accommodation and food services (APR = 1.31; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.10, 1.55), and the occupation group with the highest APR was arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media (APR = 1.91; 95% CI = 1.52, 2.41). Conclusions. Cannabis use among US workers varied widely by sex, age, race, education, industry groups, and occupation groups. A more accurate understanding of this variation can help guide research, focus policy discussions, and prioritize health messaging. (Am J Public Health. 2024;114(S8):S645-S653. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307788).

The Relationship Between Social Media Addiction and Perceived Stress in Adolescents.

The study was conducted to determine the relationship between social media addiction and perceived stress in adolescents. The study was conducted in a descriptive and cross-sectional design between September and December 2022 in secondary education institutions of the Provincial Directorate of National Education in a city center in eastern Turkey. The sample of the study consisted of a total of 716 adolescents who were studying in the ninth grade (145), 10th grade (198), 11th grade (216), and 12th grade (157) who met the inclusion criteria of the study at the time the study was conducted. The sample comprised individuals with diverse sociodemographic characteristics, including ages, genders, school success levels, parents' education levels, parents' job status, socioeconomic status, time spent on daily social media, and purposes of social media use of the adolescents. The "Sociodemographic Characteristics Form," "Social Media Addiction Scale for Adolescents (SMASA)," and "Perceived Stress Scale (PSS)" were used as the data collection tools. Ethical principles were fulfilled in the study. It was found that the average age of the adolescents who participated in the study was 15.71 ± 1.22, 58.1% were females, 41.1% had good school success, 90.5% had a mobile phone, 90.2% used WhatsApp, 56.8% said that their daily social media use time was between 1 and 3 h, and 64% said that their purpose of using social media was for entertainment and leisure. The mean SMASA score was 18.49 ± 6.98, and the mean PSS score was 42.11 ± 7.54. It was found in the study that the mother's employment status, phone ownership status, use of Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, Snapchat, YouTube, TikTok, and LinkedIn accounts, daily social media use, time and purposes of using social media affected the mean SMASA score. Age, gender, school success, use of Instagram and Snapchat accounts, daily social media use time, and purposes of using social media affected the mean PSS score (p < 0.05). As a result of the study, a positive and low-level significant relationship was detected between social media addiction and perceived stress levels (p < 0.01). As the levels of social media addiction increase in adolescents, the perceived stress levels also increase. It was also found that some variables affected the social media addiction and perceived stress levels of adolescents.

The Influence of "Labels" for Neck Pain on Recovery Expectations Following a Motor Vehicle Crash: An Online-Randomized Vignette-Based Experiment.

OBJECTIVES: To (1) investigate whether different labels for neck pain after a motor vehicle crash (MVC) influenced recovery expectations and management beliefs, (2) explore reasons for low recovery expectations and greater likelihood for lodging a claim, and (3) explore the moderating effect of neck pain history and sociodemographic characteristics. DESIGN: Online randomized experiment with nested qualitative content analysis. METHODS: We randomized 2229 participants from the general population (mean age: 46.7 ± 17.5 years; 72.4% females; 66% with previous or current neck pain; 10% with an MVC experience) to read 1 of 5 scenarios describing a patient with neck pain after an MVC, each was labeled as whiplash injury, whiplash-associated disorder, posttraumatic neck pain, neck pain, or neck strain. The primary outcome was recovery expectations, rated on a 0- to 10-point scale. RESULTS: Participants allocated to whiplash-associated disorder or neck pain had lower recovery expectations than those allocated to neck strain (adjusted mean difference [95% confidence interval]: -0.5 [-0.9 to -0.1] for both comparisons). Whiplash-associated disorder led to more recovery uncertainty, while neck pain led to greater doubt about the health care provider. Most secondary outcomes showed significant but small differences. Participants allocated to neck strain were less inclined to claim than those allocated to whiplash-associated disorder or whiplash injury due to less perceived need for financial support. Neck pain history moderated labeling effects on recovery expectations; household income moderated the claim intention. CONCLUSIONS: Labels for neck pain after an MVC influenced recovery expectations and management preferences. The clinical relevance of the small effects was unclear. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2024;54(11):1-10. Epub 5 September 2024. doi:10.2519/jospt.2024.12590.

Assessing Disease Self-Management in Multi-Ethnic Patients with Chronic Conditions and Evaluating Psychometric Properties of the Partners in Health Scale

The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases globally has resulted in increased healthcare utilization. Patients’ self-management of chronic diseases is important for efficient healthcare and improving patient health outcomes. This study aims to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Partners in Health (PIH) scale in a representative, multi-ethnic sample of patients with chronic diseases in Singapore and examine factors that can contribute to chronic disease self-management. A cross-sectional household survey included the PIH scale administered to 502 patients aged 40 and above who reported having at least one chronic condition. Bayesian Confirmatory Factor Analysis was applied to evaluate the factor structure and gender measurement invariance of PIH. The results suggested that a four-factor structure fit the Singaporean sample and had approximate measurement equivalence between males and females for most of the PIH items. The PIH scale and subscales also demonstrated criterion validity by having expected correlations with conceptually relevant constructs. Finally, sociodemographic characteristics and satisfaction with healthcare are significantly related to self-management based on the PIH scale. Satisfaction with healthcare also attenuated the reduction of self-management in patients from minority ethnic groups or those with lower education. This suggested that those groups can benefit from high satisfaction towards care providers in enhancing their disease management. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that PIH can be a promising tool for assessing patient self-management in the Singaporean population.

Understanding COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance Among Iranian Pregnant Women: Insights From a Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study.

Despite significant advancements in COVID-19 vaccine research and development, hesitancy in its acceptance, particularly among pregnant women, is recognized as a health threat. Based on the Health Belief Model, this study aimed to identify the factors influencing vaccine nonacceptance among pregnant women in the cities of Zahedan and Tabriz, Iran. The present research was a multicenter cross-sectional study conducted among pregnant women in two Iranian provinces, Zahedan and Tabriz, covering both high and low fertility regions. The study was conducted from February 2022 to August 2022. The sample size comprised 650 pregnant women attending selected healthcare centers. Data collection tools included questionnaires on sociodemographic characteristics, awareness, vaccine acceptance, and health beliefs related to vaccination. Data were analyzed using descriptive and analytical methods, including Analysis of variance (ANOVA), Independent t-test, and multivariable logistic regression. Among the 650 pregnant women, the vaccine acceptance rate was 47.4% and 52.6% of pregnant women reported vaccine nonacceptance during pregnancy. The logistic regression model indicated that the odds of vaccine acceptance increase with maternal employment (OR = 11.53, 95% CI: 4.81-27.63), higher maternal education levels (OR = 6.97, 95% CI: 3.11-15.63), higher income (OR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.07-2.55), and increased awareness levels (OR = 1.37, 95% CI: 1.03-1.52). Additionally, the odds of vaccine acceptance increase with increased perceived susceptibility (OR = 2.55, 95% CI: 0.47-3.76), increased perceived benefits (OR = 2.22, 95% CI: 1.06-4.61), increased perceived barriers (OR = 0.42, 95% CI: 0.18-1.12), and increased cues to action (OR = 2.01, 95% CI: 1.03-3.92). Our study underscores the multifaceted nature of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among pregnant women, with socioeconomic, awareness-related, and psychological factors all playing pivotal roles. These findings can inform targeted interventions and strategies aimed at increasing vaccine acceptance in this vulnerable population, ultimately contributing to enhanced maternal and fetal health during the ongoing pandemic.