Sociodemographic Predictors Research Articles

Characterization of a Covid-fired urban bike delivery system: The Montreal experience

The Covid-19 pandemic led to a rapid change in consumers' demand for home deliveries and traditional delivery modes were unable to deliver consumers and shops due to the sudden increase in demand. This study investigates the results of a local cargo bike delivery initiative in Montreal, Canada, during the forced closure of non-essential businesses from March to May 2020. The objective of this study is to identify the variables which interacted with the performance of a cargo bike delivery initiative while considering the specific context of the Covid-19 pandemic. To assess such changing conditions, a multilevel linear regression analysis is carried out. This analysis allows to quantify the number of home deliveries while considering the impact of the number of active Covid-19 cases and sociodemographic predictors on the cargo bike initiative. The dataset covers 6,700 deliveries made by cargo bikes in the city of Montreal over 16 weeks. The results show that the presence of advertising and the characteristics of consumers' households, such as a smaller household size and a younger average age are amongst the strongest factors for the success of such initiative. The specific context of the Covid-19 pandemic allowed a better penetration of cargo bikes within the last-mile ecosystem.

An explanation of the stagnant under-5 mortality rate in Bangladesh using multilevel, multivariable analysis of three Demographic and Health Surveys

Despite remarkable success in the Millennium Development Goal era, Bangladesh experienced a sluggish reduction in the under-5 mortality rate (U5MR) between 2014 and 2017–18. Our study aimed to explain this stagnancy by examining the variation in the key predictor-specific mortality risks over time, using the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey 2011, 2014 and 2017–18 data. We applied multilevel mixed effects logistic regression to examine the extent to which the under-5 mortality (U5M) risks were associated with the key sociodemographic and health service-specific predictors. We found that the rise in mortality risks attributable to maternal age 18 years or below, low maternal education, mother’s overweight or obesity and the absence of a handwashing station within the household were the key contributors to the stagnant U5MR between 2014 and 2017–18. Poverty and low education aggravated the mortality risks. Besides, antenatal care (ANC) and postnatal care (PNC) did not impact U5M risks as significantly as expected. Compulsory use of ANC and PNC cards and strict monitoring of their use may improve the quality of these health services. Leveraging committees like the Upazila Hospital Management Committee can bring harmony to implementing policies and programmes in the sectors related to U5M.

Clinical and Sociodemographic Predictors of Parental Perceptions and Confidence in Managing Child Stuttering: a Cross-Sectional Study

Clinical and Sociodemographic Predictors of Parental Perceptions and Confidence in Managing Child Stuttering: a Cross-Sectional Study

Predictors of HIV Care Outcomes among Recently Out-of-Care Individuals in The Massachusetts Cooperative Re-engagement Controlled Trial Cohort.

A cohort of individuals in care for HIV infection who were identified as being recently out-of-care (OOC) was recruited for a trial using a data-to-care approach and an intervention to facilitate re-engagement and retention in care. This allowed for analysis of demographic and clinical characteristics correlated with recently being OOC, re-engagement, and successful retention in care and viral suppression. Recently OOC persons with HIV infection (PWH) were identified for enrollment in the Cooperative Re-engagement Controlled Trial (CoRECT). CoRECT employed a data-to-care strategy, using both clinical and surveillance data, and an active public health re-engagement intervention. We estimated relative risks (RRs), unadjusted and with multivariate log binomial regression models, to analyze associations between sociodemographic and clinical predictors of being OOC, re-engagement, retention in care, and viral suppression. Of the 630 OOC PWH enrolled in CoRECT, most were male (72.7%) and over 30 years old (91.3%). Almost 40.0% were Black non-Hispanic, 29.7% were non-US born, and 41.6% were men who have sex with men (MSM). Possible predictors of re-engagement, retention in care, and viral suppression included younger age, Hispanic race/ethnicity, birth in a US dependency, AIDS status, and HIV exposure mode. Viral suppression status within 1-year pre-enrollment was significantly associated with all outcomes: re-engagement (aRR 1.28), retention (aRR 1.72), viral suppression (aRR 1.81), and durable viral suppression (aRR 3.30). Findings elucidate factors associated with care engagement and continuity for recently OOC PWH which can be used to inform targeted re-engagement activities for priority populations and guide future data-to-care interventions.

An exploration of Italian laypeople’s belief in how human memory works

ABSTRACT We present the first study to measure the beliefs held by Italian laypeople about how human memory works, using a newly developed tool: the Italian Memory Belief Questionnaire (IMBQ). Research conducted in other countries has demonstrated that beliefs about memory vary widely between different professional and non-professional groups, indicating that limitations exist regarding the dissemination of empirically researched scientific knowledge. To ascertain what Italian people understand about memory-related topics, including eyewitness testimony, repression of traumatic memories and factors influencing memory recall, 301 native Italian participants completed the IMBQ in Study 1. In Study 2, 346 additional participants completed the IMBQ, alongside various additional measures, to examine the construct validity of our new instrument and investigate socio-demographic predictors of memory beliefs. Exploratory factor analysis in Study 1 identified three distinct belief factors that were present in the dataset: eyewitness and memory reliability, trauma and remembering and aspects that improve remembering. Study 2 partially confirmed this factor structure and found IMBQ scores to correlate with existing memory belief questionnaires. Correlations were also found between the IMBQ subscales and measures of fantasy proneness, but not dissociation. In both studies, many Italian laypeople strongly endorsed the notion that controversial topics (i.e., repression) are possible. Contrastingly, Italian laypeople do appear to understand the conceivable inaccuracies of memory in eyewitness settings. Sex, age and education were shown to predict beliefs about memory. Findings are discussed in relation to the importance of addressing misinformation about memory, especially in clinical and forensic settings.

Development and initial evaluation of a clinical prediction model for risk of treatment resistance in first-episode psychosis: Schizophrenia Prediction of Resistance to Treatment (SPIRIT).

A clinical tool to estimate the risk of treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS) in people with first-episode psychosis (FEP) would inform early detection of TRS and overcome the delay of up to 5 years in starting TRS medication. To develop and evaluate a model that could predict the risk of TRS in routine clinical practice. We used data from two UK-based FEP cohorts (GAP and AESOP-10) to develop and internally validate a prognostic model that supports identification of patients at high-risk of TRS soon after FEP diagnosis. Using sociodemographic and clinical predictors, a model for predicting risk of TRS was developed based on penalised logistic regression, with missing data handled using multiple imputation. Internal validation was undertaken via bootstrapping, obtaining optimism-adjusted estimates of the model's performance. Interviews and focus groups with clinicians were conducted to establish clinically relevant risk thresholds and understand the acceptability and perceived utility of the model. We included seven factors in the prediction model that are predominantly assessed in clinical practice in patients with FEP. The model predicted treatment resistance among the 1081 patients with reasonable accuracy; the model's C-statistic was 0.727 (95% CI 0.723-0.732) prior to shrinkage and 0.687 after adjustment for optimism. Calibration was good (expected/observed ratio: 0.999; calibration-in-the-large: 0.000584) after adjustment for optimism. We developed and internally validated a prediction model with reasonably good predictive metrics. Clinicians, patients and carers were involved in the development process. External validation of the tool is needed followed by co-design methodology to support implementation in early intervention services.

The HIV Care Cascade for Older Adults in Rural South Africa: A Longitudinal Cohort Study (2014-2019).

As people with HIV grow older, stable engagement in care is essential for healthy aging. We evaluate the HIV care cascade for older adults in rural South Africa at 2 time points cross-sectionally and assess movement in the cascade over time. We evaluated the cascade stage at waves 1 (2014-2015) and 2 (2018-2019) of Health and Aging in Africa: A Longitudinal Study of an INDPETH Community in South Africa, a population-based longitudinal cohort study in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. Biomarker screening defined cascade stages [HIV+/no antiretroviral therapy (ART); ART+/unsuppressed viral load; ART+/suppressed viral load]. Between-wave probability of death, cascade progression, regression, cascade transitions, and sociodemographic predictors were assessed with Poisson regression. The impact of death was considered using the Fine and Gray competing risk model. We observed a higher prevalence of antiretroviral therapy with viral suppression over time (50% in wave 1 vs. 70% in wave 2). Among those alive, the oldest age group (70+ years old) was most likely to have cascade progression [adjusted risk ratio for treatment initiation vs. 40-49 years old: 1.38 (95% confidence interval: 1.02 to 1.86)]. However, there was a significant risk of death and cascade regression. Death between waves reached 40% for 70+-year-olds who were ART+/unsuppressed. In competing risk models, older age was associated with equivalent or less cascade progression. Older age groups who were unsuppressed on treatment and men had poorer cascade outcomes. Improvements observed in HIV treatment coverage over time for older adults must be interpreted in the context of the high risk of death for older HIV-positive adults, especially among those failing treatment.

Reprint of: Examining U.S. disparities in smoking among rural versus urban women of reproductive age: 2002–2019

ObjectiveThis study is part of a programmatic investigation of rural disparities in cigarette smoking examining disparities in smoking prevalence and for the first-time quit ratios among adult women of reproductive age (18–44 years), a highly vulnerable population due to risk for multigenerational adverse effects. MethodsData came from 18 years (2002–2019) of the U.S. National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) among women (n = 280,626) categorized by rural-urban residence, pregnancy status, using weighted logistic regression models testing time trends and controlling for well-established sociodemographic predictors of smoking (race/ethnicity, education, income). Concerns regarding changes in survey methods used before 2002 and after 2019 precluded inclusion of earlier and more recent survey years in the present study. ResultsOverall smoking prevalence across years was greater in rural than urban residents (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.11; 95%CI, 1.07–1.15; P < .001) including those not-pregnant (AOR = 1.10; 1.07–1.14; P < .001) and pregnant (AOR = 1.29; 1.09–1.52; P < .001). Overall quit ratios across years were lower in rural than urban residents (AOR = 0.93; 0.87–0.99; P < .001) including those not-pregnant (AOR = 0.93; 0.88–1.00, P = .035) and pregnant (AOR = 0.78; 0.62–0.99; P = .039). Interactions of rural versus urban residence with study years for prevalence and quit ratios overall and by pregnancy status are detailed in the main text. ConclusionsThese results support a longstanding and robust rural disparity in smoking prevalence among women of reproductive age including those currently pregnant and provides novel evidence that differences in smoking cessation contribute to this disparity further underscoring a need for greater access to evidence-based tobacco control and regulatory interventions in rural regions.

High schoolers and dating issues: examining the effectiveness of an app-based mindfulness intervention

ABSTRACT This article reports a study comparing the impact of a mindfulness app in mitigating dating anxieties and promoting self-esteem, healthy relationships and school satisfaction among high schoolers vis-à-vis a relationship advice app. A pre- and post-test-design study was conducted with high schoolers in two South Asian cities. Participants of the relationship advice app cohort reported no significant changes in post-test outcomes. Participants of the mindfulness app cohort reported significantly lower post-test dating anxiety scores and higher self-esteem, perceived support and school satisfaction scores. Particularly, the mindfulness app was more effective for high school girls, Christians, middle class students, high schoolers with mothers as primary caregivers, participants whose primary caregivers had postgraduate and higher qualifications, who lived in standard family set-ups with parents and siblings, and who were regular in reading mindfulness posts and doing the recommended homework. Intervention compliance mediated the association between significant socio-demographic predictors and gains/changes in outcomes.

The Impact of Age and Vaccine Conspiracy Beliefs on COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake among United States Adults.

This observational study examined the relationships between age, vaccine conspiracy beliefs, and COVID-19 vaccine uptake in emerging adults (ages 20-30) and middle-aged adults (ages 50-60) residing in the United States. It also examined sociodemographic predictors of vaccine conspiracy beliefs and COVID-19 vaccine uptake-political conservativism, household income, and educational attainment. We recruited 198 emerging adults and 198 middle-aged adults to complete an online survey assessing vaccine conspiracy beliefs and COVID-19 vaccination status. First, we found that emerging adults reported stronger vaccine conspiracy beliefs than middle-aged adults (estimated mean difference = 0.43, 95CI = 0.08, 0.79, p = 0.017), but that emerging adults and middle-aged adults did not differ in their likelihood of being vaccinated with estimated rates of COVID-19 vaccination uptake of 63% in emerging adults and 64% in middle-aged adults. Political conservativism was associated with stronger vaccine conspiracy beliefs and lower COVID-19 vaccine uptake. Lower household income and lower educational attainment were associated with lower COVID-19 vaccine uptake but not associated with vaccine conspiracy beliefs. Second, we found that age moderated the relationship between vaccine conspiracy beliefs and COVID-19 vaccine uptake; stronger vaccine conspiracy beliefs predicted lower COVID-19 vaccine uptake among middle-aged adults (B = -0.63, 95CI = -0.90, -0.36, p < 0.001) but were not associated with COVID-19 vaccine uptake among emerging adults (B = -0.21, 95CI = -0.47, 0.05, p = 0.12). These results provide insight into the sociodemographic and psychological factors that influence COVID-19 vaccine uptake. Our findings can help to inform the design of targeted public health interventions to increase vaccine uptake in the ongoing fight against COVID-19. Given the crucial role of vaccination in controlling the spread of COVID-19, it is also imperative for future studies to continue investigating how age and vaccine conspiratorial beliefs intersect to impact vaccine uptake.

Determinants of quality of life in French nursing home residents across cognitive levels: a comparative study using convergent mixed-methods

BackgroundThe quality of life (QoL) of nursing home residents is multifaceted and influenced by relationships, health, and activities, as per research in international literature. However, studies exploring QoL predictors considering varying cognitive impairment levels are limited in the French context. This study examined the impact of sociodemographic factors and cognitive impairment on the QoL in Alzheimer’s Disease Nursing Homes (QoL-AD NH) scale scores among French nursing home residents. It further identified predictors through responses to qualitative semi-structured interviews. These elements were integrated and compared to understand more comprehensively the multifaceted determinants influencing residents’ QoL.MethodsThis mixed methods study used a cross-sectional convergent design, and quantitative and qualitative studies were carried out simultaneously. Using a generalised linear model and Kruskal–Wallis tests, the quantitative strand (N = 151) measured QoL with the QoL-AD NH scale and examined sociodemographic predictors of QoL. The qualitative strand (N = 78) involved semi-structured interviews with residents across four levels of cognitive functioning (no, mild, moderate, and severe impairment) and explored their QoL determinants through thematic analysis. Both strands were then integrated and analysed.ResultsMild cognitive impairment and depression negatively predicted QoL-AD NH scores. For specific items, residents with mild cognitive impairment had lower “Ability to keep busy daily” and “Current life in general” scores than residents without cognitive impairment. Qualitatively, family relationships were indispensable for QoL across groups, but those with mild cognitive impairment complained about a lack of activities in nursing homes. The analysis identified convergent predictors and enriched our understanding of daily occupation. Theory comparisons revealed assessment limitations in psychological well-being.ConclusionsA mixed approach provided a nuanced understanding of QoL, highlighting vulnerable groups and areas for improving assessment. Combining the results from standardised instruments with semi-structured interviews allowed us to capture a fuller range of experiences. The findings suggest a need to reconsider QoL assessment tools for nursing home residents and policies to address their needs regardless of their cognitive levels. They highlight the value of mixed methods for researching this multifaceted field.

Traditional Methods Hold Their Ground Against Machine Learning in Predicting Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Older Adults

ObjectivesMachine learning methods have gained much attention in health sciences for predicting various health outcomes but are scarcely used in pharmacoepidemiology. The ability to identify predictors of suboptimal medication use is essential for conducting interventions aimed at improving medication outcomes. It remains uncertain whether machine learning methods could enhance the identification of potentially inappropriate medication use among older adults compared with traditional methods. This study aimed to (1) to compare the performances of machine learning models in predicting use of potentially inappropriate medications and (2) to quantify and compare the relative importance of predictors in a population of community-dwelling older adults (>65 years) in the province of Québec, Canada. MethodsWe used the Québec Integrated Chronic Disease Surveillance System and selected a cohort of 1 105 295 older adults of whom 533 719 were potentially inappropriate medication users. Potentially inappropriate medications were defined according to the Beers list. We compared performances between 5 popular machine learning models (gradient boosting machines, logistic regression, naive Bayes, neural networks, and random forests) based on receiver operating characteristic curves and other performance criteria, using a set of sociodemographic and medical predictors. ResultsNo model clearly outperformed the others. All models except neural networks were in agreement regarding the top predictors (sex and anxiety-depressive disorders and schizophrenia) and the bottom predictors (rurality and social and material deprivation indices). ConclusionsIncluding other types of predictors (eg, unstructured data) may be more useful for increasing performance in prediction of potentially inappropriate medication use.

Factors Affecting Diasporic Women's Quality of Life: A Systematic Review.

This literature review assesses the factors that influence the quality of life of migrant women in the diasporic with the goal of improving their quality of life and creating more supportive social adjustment in the public health field. The systematic review was conducted in accordance with the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We searched the databases of Scopus, PubMed, SAGE journal, Springer, and Google Scholar for scientific articles on the quality of life of diasporic and migrant women. We screened and removed duplicates, analyzed the full text of the articles to identify potentially relevant studies, and extracted data from matched articles. The literature search yielded 34 articles. Only 10 articles that met all inclusion criteria were included in the systematic review after peer review. The literature shows that the quality of life of diasporic women is influenced by four main factors: sociodemographic predictors, social adjustment predictors, health-related predictors, and psychological predictors. Identifying them is important to improve quality of life and find the right solutions to improve the quality of life of marginalized groups in society. To improve the quality of life for diasporic women, I suggest implementing government policies such as language education, vocational training, stronger protection laws, and better healthcare access. Additionally, establishing cultural exchange and networking programs is crucial for fostering cultural understanding.

Trajectories of Housing Insecurity From Infancy to Adolescence and Adolescent Health Outcomes.

Housing insecurity is associated with adverse effects on child growth and development cross-sectionally; less is known about its cumulative, long-term effects. This study describes longitudinal experiences of housing insecurity during childhood from infancy (age 1 year) to adolescence (age 15 years) and examines their associations with adolescent health outcomes. Using data from the Future of Families and Child Wellbeing Study, we created a composite measure of housing insecurity using 5 indicators (eg, skipping a rent or mortgage payment, eviction) for participants at ages 1, 3, 5, 9, and 15 years. We used group-based trajectory modeling to identify distinct patterns of housing insecurity, sociodemographic predictors of these patterns, and how these patterns relate to adolescent health outcomes. We identified 3 trajectories of housing insecurity from infancy to adolescence: secure, moderately insecure, and highly insecure. Adolescents who experienced moderately and highly insecure housing had decreased odds of excellent health (adjusted odds ratio, 0.81; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.69-0.95; adjusted odds ratio, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.50-0.92, respectively) and more depressive symptoms (adjusted incidence rate ratio, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.02-1.08; 1.13; 95% CI, 1.08-1.19, respectively) than adolescents with secure housing. Adolescents who experienced highly insecure housing reported significantly higher anxiety symptoms (adjusted incidence rate ratio, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.003-1.113). Housing insecurity starting in infancy was associated with poorer adolescent health outcomes. These longitudinal patterns emphasize the need for novel screening mechanisms to identify housing insecurity when it emerges, as well as policies to prevent housing insecurity and its associated health outcomes.

Situations Predisposing Primary Care Patients to Use Antibiotics Without a Prescription in the United States

Background: Using antibiotics without medical guidance (non-prescription use) is a potential safety threat to individual and public health. Patients' situations can impact their intentions to use non-prescription antibiotics in the future (intended use). This survey (1) explores the dimensionality of 13 predefined situations to identify ‘summary factor,’ which include conceptually similar situations that influence patients’ intended use of non-prescription antibiotics, and (2) identifies the sociodemographic predictors associated with these summary factors. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from January 2020–June 2021 in the waiting rooms of six safety-net primary care clinics and two private emergency departments. We used principal component analysis as a data reduction technique and confirmed the factor structure of the situations (identifying three situational summary factors). Multivariate linear regression identified the sociodemographic predictors (e.g., age, gender, race, education, insurance, healthcare system, language preference, birth country, and health literacy) associated with each summary factor. Results: Of the 564 patients surveyed, the majority were female (72%), Hispanic or Latinx (47%), college-educated (44%), and received public health insurance (e.g., Medicaid or County Financial Assistance) (56%). The largest proportion of patients endorsed intended non-prescription antibiotic use for situations involving high doctor visit costs (29.8%), having leftover prescription antibiotics (50.4%), and experiencing symptom relief with prior use of antibiotics (47.5%) (Figure 1). We identified three situational summary factors: (1) perceived barriers to a doctor visit and receiving a prescription (Cronbach’s alpha [α]=0.96), (2) convenience and accessibility of non-prescription antibiotics (α=0.81), and (3) previous symptom relief with antibiotics (α=0.95). After controlling for gender, race, education, insurance, language preference, birth country, and health literacy, our multivariate regression results revealed that younger patients (P &lt; 0 .04) and patients attending the safety-net health system (P &lt; 0 .001) had more intended use of non-prescription antibiotics for all three summary factors (Figure 2). Conclusions: Our study revealed that younger patients and individuals receiving care from the safety-net clinics had an increased risk of intended non-prescription antibiotic use across all summary factors. Future stewardship interventions should consider the types of situations that drive patients' decisions to use antibiotics without a prescription. Interventions aimed at reducing barriers to healthcare (e.g., high costs and long waits associated with doctor appointments) and educating individuals on the risks associated with inappropriate antibiotic use while providing alternative (non-antibiotic) treatment options may reduce antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance. Acknowledgments: This work is supported by grant number R01HS026901 from AHRQ and NRSA T-32 (6T32HC10031).Disclosure: Barbara Trautner: Stock: Abbvie--sold in December 2023; Abbott Laboratories--sold in December 2023; -Bristol Myers Squibb--sold in December 2023; Pfizer--sold in December 2023; Consultant--Phiogen—consultant. Contracted research through NIAID for STRIVE trial, currently testing Shionogi product; Contracted research--Peptilogics; Contracted research--Genentech

Diagnostic shift in adolescents with first episode psychosis: findings from the 2-year follow-up of the "Parma Early Psychosis" program.

Diagnostic stability for people with First Episode Psychosis (FEP) is essential for treatment, but it remains poorly investigated, especially in adolescents and within a prospective design. The aims of this research were: (a) to examine diagnostic change in Italian adolescents with FEP treated within an "Early Intervention in Psychosis" program during a 2-year follow-up period and (b) to investigate any sociodemographic and clinical predictors at baseline. At baseline, 66 adolescents with FEP was recruited. Their primary diagnosis was formulated both at baseline and at the end of follow-up. At presentation, FEP adolescents completed the Health of the Nation Outcome Scales for Children and Adolescents (HoNOSCA). As for diagnostic stability, the Kappa statistic was calculated. The associations of diagnostic change with baseline clinical and sociodemographic features were analyzed using a logistic model with the diagnostic shift as dependent variable. A propensity score was finally calculated based on logistic analysis results. 38 (57.6%) FEP adolescents changed their opening diagnosis. The highest prospective diagnostic stability was for initial diagnosis of schizophrenia (95.4%) and affective spectrum psychoses (75%). Diagnostic instability was high for opening diagnosis of psychosis not otherwise specified, brief psychosis and schizophreniform disorder (100%). The best predictors of diagnostic change were fewer years of education, shorter duration of untreated psychosis and higher baseline levels of psychiatric symptoms. Diagnostic stability is crucial for treatment and clinical decision making. Addressing instability in FEP diagnoses is an important challenge for future diagnostic development in early psychosis, especially in adolescence.

Sociodemographic Predictors of Sexual Communication and Sexual Communication as a Predictor of Sexual, Relationship, and Life Satisfaction in Denmark, Finland, France, Norway, Sweden, and the UK

Sexual communication is associated with higher levels of sexual and relationship satisfaction. However, research suggests that many struggle with sexual communication. Using a cross-country convenience sample of 7,139 respondents from six European countries (Denmark, Finland, France, Norway, Sweden, and the UK), we investigated sociodemographic predictors of different facets of sexual communication and their associations with sexual, relationship, and life satisfaction. Data was collected in May and June 2022 through respondent panels, by Cint, a market research software platform. Participants received an email invitation to the study and completed an online self-report survey. We found that a large proportion did report difficulties with sexual communication or a wish to improve such communication. We also found that sociodemographic factors predicted each facet (self-disclosure, frequency of communication, and quality of communication) of sexual communication as a set, but that the strongest predictors were sexual frequency and dissatisfaction with the low frequency of sex. Lastly, each facet of sexual communication was associated with higher levels of sexual, relationship, and life satisfaction. Across results, we generally found little cross-country variation.

Compulsive sexual behaviour in Iranian married women: Prevalence, sociodemographic, sexual, and psychological predictors across-country.

This study addresses the scarcity of research on Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder (CSBD) in non-Western cultures and women, exploring its prevalence, sociodemographic, sexual history characteristics, and sexual and psychological health factors in Iranian married women. A cross-sectional study involving 772 heterosexual married women was conducted between 2022 and 2023, covering all 31 provinces of Iran. Participants were categorized as CSBD+ (at-risk individuals) and CSBD- (low-risk individuals) based on a pre-established cut-off point of ≥18 by the Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder Scale -7. Depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, self-esteem, sexual distress, sexual satisfaction, relationship satisfaction, and sexual dysfunction were assessed as psychological and sexual health variables by standardized scales. The prevalence of CSBD was 3.8% in women. Linear regression analysis showed that lower education, being jobless, substance use, pornography use, paraphilic behaviors, conflict on sex frequency, relationship, orgasm and sexual dissatisfaction, higher sexual arousal, depression, and obsessive-compulsive symptoms were positively associated with CSBD. The univariate analysis, at a stringent significance level of 0.005, mirrored the regression findings. Additionally, women with CSBD+ exhibited lower religiousness and higher anxiety compared to those without CSBD-. Raising awareness of CSBD is crucial for health systems and individuals for better policy-making and help-seeking behavior. Identifying risk factors like substance use presents opportunities for prevention, and the association of CSBD with sexual and mental health variables suggests addressing co-occurring issues for improved treatment outcomes. Recognizing culture and gender-specific sexual and psychological correlates enables targeted and effective treatment approaches.

Sociodemographic Predictors of Difficulty in Performing Online Academic Activities Among Brazilian Graduate Students in the COVID-19 Pandemic

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic has brought the challenge of online teaching to graduate courses, without prior preparation for students and teachers. In this context, the aim of the study was to identify sociodemographic predictors of difficulty in carrying out online academic activities by graduate students, by region of Brazil, during the COVID-19 pandemic. An online sociodemographic questionnaire, carried out by the researchers, was answered by 5282 Brazilian graduate students, recruited via institutional e-mail. The chi-square test and multivariate binomial logistic regression were used to analyze the data. There was a significant difference between the regions in terms of difficulty in carrying out online activities, with a predominance in the southeast. The main significant predictors were: age between 40–59 years (Midwest, Southeast), other genders (Southeast); having children (North, Southeast); having no income (North, Northeast, Southeast and South); being black/brown (Midwest, Southeast). Thus, sociodemographic characteristics influenced online graduate education differently according to region, suggesting the need for actions to promote equity in education. It is possible that having children, age and identifying with other genders made it difficult to access and follow online activities.

Prevalence and Predictors of Suicidal Ideation among Adolescents

Suicides among young people continue to be a serious problem. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for children, adolescents, and young adults. The objectives of the present study were to assess the prevalence and predictors of suicidal ideation among adolescents; associate suicidal ideation among adolescents with selected socio-demographic variables and predictors. Quantitative research approach and descriptive research design was adopted for the study. The study was conducted among 250 adolescents selected through purposive sampling technique from selected Colleges, Thrissur. The tool consisted of a semi structured questionnaire to assess the socio-demographic data, Columbia Suicidal Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) screen version to assess the prevalence of suicidal ideation and a structured questionnaire to assess the predictors of suicidal ideation among adolescents. Reliability and validity of the tools were established. Data were collected, tabulated and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings of the study revealed that the prevalence rate of suicidal ideation among adolescents is 28%. The predictors such as lack of teachers support (91.4%), social media abuse (74.3%), loneliness and hopeless (72.9%) are found in most of the adolescents. A statistically significant association was found between education of father (p=0.04) and education of mother (p=0.04) with suicidal ideation among adolescents at p&lt;0.05. The predictors such as family history of suicide (p=0.00), helplessness (p=0.04) and lack of parental support (p=0.01) have a statistically significant association with suicidal ideation among adolescents. The study concluded that the prevalence rate of suicidal ideation among adolescents is significant. The early identification of the predictors can prevent the actual occurrence of suicide among adolescents.