Specific Sociodemographic Variables Research Articles

The Dula Dangerous Driving Index in China: An investigation of reliability and validity

The aim of this study was to translate the Dula Dangerous Driving Index (DDDI) into Chinese and to verify its reliability and validity. A total of 246 drivers completed the Chinese version of the DDDI and the Driver Behavior Questionnaire (DBQ). Specific sociodemographic variables and traffic violations were also measured. A confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the internal structure of the DDDI, and the four-factor model was supported in China. Measures of convergent and criterion validity demonstrated that the Chinese DDDI was valid. Its convergent validity was supported by its positive relationship with the DBQ, and its criterion validity was tested using its relationship with self-reported accident involvement and traffic violations. Finally, score comparisons between different demographic groups revealed significant differences, thereby linking age and driving years to dangerous driving.

Childhood history of abuse and child abuse potential: The role of parent's gender and timing of childhood abuse

It has been suggested that being physically abused leads to someone becoming a perpetrator of abuse which could be associated to parents’ gender, timing of the physical abuse and specific socio-demographic variables. This study aims to investigate the role the parents’ gender, timing of childhood abuse and socio-demographic variables on the relationship between parents’ history of childhood physical abuse and current risk for children. The sample consisted of 920 parents (414 fathers, 506 mothers) from the Portuguese National Representative Study of Psychosocial Context of Child Abuse and Neglect who completed the Childhood History Questionnaire and the Child Abuse Potential Inventory. The results showed that fathers had lower current potential risk of becoming physical abuse perpetrators with their children than mothers although they did not differed in their physical victimization history. Moreover, the risk was higher in parents (both genders) with continuous history of victimization than in parents without victimization. Prediction models showed that for fathers and mothers separately similar socio-demographic variables (family income, number of children at home, employment status and marital status) predicted the potential risk of becoming physical abuses perpetrators. Nevertheless, the timing of victimization was different for fathers (before 13 years old) and mothers (after 13 years old). Then our study targets specific variables (timing of physical abuse, parents’ gender and specific socio-demographic variables), which may enable professionals to select groups of parents at greater need of participating in abuse prevention programs.

Prevalence of frailty and its associations with blood pressure and anthropometric measurements in elderly Egyptians

emergency conditions were included. Comprehensive geriatric assessment, including nutritional and functional assessmentswere done according to nutritional checklist and Barthel index, respectively. Informationwere gathered from the patients, from theward nurse responsible for the patient and from family members who reviewed. Results.– According to nutritional checklist, 56% of participants were at high risk, 18% were at moderate risk of malnutrition, and 26% had good nutrition. There was high nutritional risk in patients with low income, and good nutrition in patients with moderate income. Also, there was a high nutritional risk in rural residents (61.9%) in comparison with urban residents (25%). Barthel index score was significantly lower in those at high risk of malnutrition compared to those at moderate risk and those with good nutrition. Conclusions.– Results in this study suggest that hospitalized elderly are exposed to malnutrition which emphasizes the importance of early identification of malnutrition among them. Malnourished hospitalized patients are candidate for functional impairment. Significant associations were noticed between both nutritional and functional status and specific sociodemographic variables. These interrelationships require further studies to elucidate.

Nutritional and functional assessment of hospitalized elderly: Impact of sociodemographic variables

Background. This work was constructed in order to assess the nutritional and functional status in hospitalized elderly and to study the associations between them and sociodemographic variables. Methods. 200 elderly patients (>65 years old) admitted to Internal Medicine and Neurology Departments in nonemergency conditions were included. Comprehensive geriatric assessments, including nutritional and functional assessments, were done according to nutritional checklist and Barthel index, respectively. Information was gathered from the patients, from the ward nurse responsible for the patient, and from family members who were reviewed. Results. According to the nutritional checklist, 56% of participants were at high risk, 18% were at moderate risk of malnutrition, and 26% had good nutrition. There was a high nutritional risk in patients with low income and good nutrition in patients with moderate income. Also, there was a high nutritional risk in rural residents (61.9%) in comparison with urban residents (25%). Barthel index score was significantly lower in those at high risk of malnutrition compared to those at moderate risk and those with good nutrition. Conclusions. Hospitalized elderly are exposed to malnutrition, and malnourished hospitalized patients are candidates for functional impairment. Significant associations are noticed between both nutritional and functional status and specific sociodemographic variables.

Nutritional and Functional Assessment of Hospitalized Elderly: Impact of Sociodemographic Variables

Background. This work was constructed in order to assess the nutritional and functional status in hospitalized elderly and to study the associations between them and sociodemographic variables. Methods. 200 elderly patients (>65 years old) admitted to Internal Medicine and Neurology Departments in nonemergency conditions were included. Comprehensive geriatric assessments, including nutritional and functional assessments, were done according to nutritional checklist and Barthel index, respectively. Information was gathered from the patients, from the ward nurse responsible for the patient, and from family members who were reviewed. Results. According to the nutritional checklist, 56% of participants were at high risk, 18% were at moderate risk of malnutrition, and 26% had good nutrition. There was a high nutritional risk in patients with low income and good nutrition in patients with moderate income. Also, there was a high nutritional risk in rural residents (61.9%) in comparison with urban residents (25%). Barthel index score was significantly lower in those at high risk of malnutrition compared to those at moderate risk and those with good nutrition. Conclusions. Hospitalized elderly are exposed to malnutrition, and malnourished hospitalized patients are candidates for functional impairment. Significant associations are noticed between both nutritional and functional status and specific sociodemographic variables.

Recruitment and retention results for a population-based cervical cancer biobehavioral clinical trial

Objective . Minority and low-income cancer patients are underrepresented in clinical trials, contributing to diminished access to state-of-the-art care and disparities in cancer outcomes including survivorship issues. In cervical cancer, there is a disproportionate disease burden among minority and underserved women and persistent quality of life disruption. We encountered significant challenges in both recruitment and retention in a randomized biobehavioral clinical trial for cervical cancer survivors, identified through California Cancer Registries, leading to this investigation. Methods. To determine differential rates of accrual and retention, data from our trial are analyzed using descriptive statistics, logistic regression and multivariate analysis of variance. Ethnic differences in associations between covariables and attrition rates were tested by interaction factors. Process evaluation and focus group data were obtained to inform improvement strategies. Results. Of eligible subjects with viable phone numbers, 29% enrolled and 71% actively or passively refused. Enrolled Hispanic women were more likely to have less education ( p < 0.001), lower income ( p = 0.003), and more children ( p = 0.028). The dropout rate was associated with less education ( p = 0.012), foreign-birth ( p = 0.061), speaking Spanish in the home ( p = 0.012). Reported reasons for active refusal were ‘too busy’ for all women, ‘too emotional’ for non-Hispanic women, ‘too ill’ and phlebotomy for Hispanic women. Subsequent focus groups identified specific strategies to improve study materials. Conclusion. Although population-based recruitment of minority and underserved cancer patients continues to be a challenge, specific sociodemographic and disease variables can predict accrual difficulties. The information herein, taken together with disease and culturally relevant strategies, can be useful when recruiting underserved cancer survivors.

Influence of Socio-Demographic Factors on SRAVEN Performance

This exploratory study aimed to investigate the influence of specific socio-demographic variables on a computerized test of non-verbal neuropsychological performance. Six hundred and thirty South African first year students were assessed using the University of Pennsylvania Computerized Neuropsychological Test Battery (PennCNP). Fluid intelligence was measured by a computerized version of the Raven's Progressive Matrices (SRAVENS). Analysis of variance indicated that gender, home language, quality of schooling, language of schooling and paternal education influenced performance on the SRAVEN. Stepwise multiple regression evidenced the importance of language, paternal education and high school language on SRAVENS responses. The assumption of non-verbal test scores as being independent of socio-demographic factors needs to be revisited as such independence cannot be maintained in light of such evidence.

Lower Barthel Index Scores Predict Less Prescription of Pharmacological Therapy in Elderly Patients with Alzheimer Disease

Aims: To determine the factors associated with receiving specific treatment (cholinesterase inhibitors or/and memantine) for Alzheimer disease (AD) in elderly patients. Methods: An observational study carried out in 289 consecutive outpatients aged >64 years with dementia. We collected data on specific AD therapy, sociodemographic variables, Barthel Index (BI), Lawton and Brody Index (LI), Mini Mental State Examination, Global Deterioration Scale (GDS), Charlson Index and the total number of drugs chronically prescribed. Patients receiving specific therapy for dementia were compared with the rest. Results: Two hundred and thirty-three (80.6%) patients were receiving specific treatment for dementia, with 197 (84.5%) receiving monotherapy and the rest (15.4%) combined therapy. The bivariate analysis showed that age, marital status, place of residence, BI and LI, cognitive status and disease severity (GDS) were factors associated with receiving specific dementia therapy. Multiple stepwise logistic regression analysis showed that a lower BI (β = –0.25; odds ratio 0.976, 95% confidence interval = 0.966–0.986; p < 0.0001) was the only factor independently associated with not receiving specific therapy for AD. Conclusions: Of the possible factors related to elderly patients receiving specific therapy for AD, a poor BI score was the most important factor associated with not receiving treatment.

Vaccination Uptake and Awareness of a Free Hepatitis B Vaccination Program Among Female Commercial Sex Workers

We sought to explore the reach of a free hepatitis B vaccination program among female commercial sex workers (CSWs) within a legalized prostitution setting in the Netherlands. We also investigated the reasons for nonparticipation and noncompliance. In this cross-sectional study based on ethnographic mapping and targeted sampling, 259 CSWs were interviewed at their work in 3 regions in the Netherlands. The semistructured interviews contained questions on sociodemographics, sexual risk behavior, sex work, awareness of the opportunity to obtain free hepatitis B vaccination, vaccination uptake, and compliance with the full vaccination schedule. Of our sample, 79% reported awareness of the opportunity to obtain hepatitis B vaccination, and 63% reported to be vaccinated against hepatitis B (received > or =1 vaccination). A personal approach by health professionals or was associated with vaccination uptake, when specific sociodemographic variables, sexual behavior, and sex work related covariates were controlled for in the analysis. Window prostitution and the duration of working in the region were associated with awareness of the opportunity to obtain free hepatitis B vaccination. The results of this study suggest that outreach activities (i.e., a personal approach) within this program are beneficial. Transient CSWs are more difficult to reach within the current vaccination program. These results can be used to increase the success of future health programs among this risk group.

A Study of Emotional Intelligence Levels in Hospitality Industry Professionals

ABSTRACT Little research has been conducted on emotional intelligence (EI) in the hospitality industry. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the relationship between specific socio-demographic variables and the EI levels of hospitality industry professionals. Although few significant differences were found between the groups, the professionals in this study possess above average levels of EI, which may be indicative of their achievement and longevity in a service-based industry.

Burnout in renal care professionals.

Burnout is defined as "a syndrome of emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation and reduced personal accomplishment that can occur among individuals who work with people in some capacity", and it can be considered as a result of long-term exposure to occupational stress. Frequently reported occupational stressors among caring professionals are those intrinsic to the job, related to patient demands, related to roles within the organisation, and those related to relationships at work and career development. In renal care however, there are some unique characteristics such as technologically advanced equipment, the intensive caring environment and the long-term relationships being established between the carer and chronic renal patients, that one should take into consideration. It seems that job resources may act as moderators to burnout. Furthermore, specific personality characteristics and socio-demographic variables seem to affect the burnout experience. Individual and social organisational means for burnout prevention and coping are discussed and suggested.

Deterrents to Participation in Parenting Education

The purpose of this study was to determine the deterrents to participation by adults in parenting education programs. The objectives were (a) to describe parents with children in selected day care facilities on selected sociodemographic characteristics, (b) to determine factors that deterred those parents from participating in parenting education, and (c) to determine if there was a relationship between selected sociodemographic characteristics and the parents' participation in parenting education programs. A simple random sample of parents was drawn from the accessible population. Factor analysis revealed five factors that deterred this population from participating in parenting education: Lack of Confidence, Lack of Course Relevance, Personal Problems, Situational Barriers, and Time. Correlation coefficients and mean differences revealed a significant relationship between factors and specific sociodemographic variables.

Herbal and nonherbal alternative medicine use in Northwest Ohio.

To determine the prevalence and characteristics of herbal and nonherbal alternative medicine use among adults living in northwest Ohio. Cross-sectional survey. Three grocery store intercepts in northwest Ohio. A consecutive sample of 326 English-speaking persons > or =18 years old. A 26-item survey self-administered to participants over a 6-month period. Prevalence of herbal remedy use. Forty percent of respondents have used an herbal remedy during the last 12 months. The average number of herbs used was 2.3 per person. Herbal remedy use was not associated with specific sociodemographic variables. Desire to improve general health was the most common reason for use of an herbal remedy (16%). Herbal users cited "herbals are natural" as the most common benefit. Magazines (17%), health food stores (16%), and friends (14%) were the most common sources of herbal remedy information. Only 50% of the population informed their physician of such use. Forty-one percent used an herbal remedy sometimes to always to self-treat before seeking medical care from a physician. Fifteen percent of adults treated their children with herbs. Nearly all (86%) respondents believed the herb was helpful or very helpful. A significant number of the adults surveyed in the Toledo metropolitan area commonly used complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). There were no independent factors associated with herbal remedy use. It is important for healthcare providers to acknowledge this growing trend of CAM therapy use and begin to incorporate open discussion about CAM into the patient-provider relationship.

Herbal and Nonherbal Alternative Medicine Use in Northwest Ohio

OBJECTIVE:To determine the prevalence and characteristics of herbal and nonherbal alternative medicine use among adults living in northwest Ohio.DESIGN:Cross-sectional survey.SETTING:Three grocery store intercepts in northwest Ohio.SUBJECTS:A consecutive sample of 326 English-speaking persons ≥18 years old.METHODS:A 26-item survey self-administered to participants over a 6-month period.OUTCOME MEASURES:Prevalence of herbal remedy use.RESULTS:Forty percent of respondents have used an herbal remedy during the last 12 months. The average number of herbs used was 2.3 per person. Herbal remedy use was not associated with specific sociodemographic variables. Desire to improve general health was the most common reason for use of an herbal remedy (16%). Herbal users cited “herbals are natural” as the most common benefit. Magazines (17%), health food stores (16%), and friends (14%) were the most common sources of herbal remedy information. Only 50% of the population informed their physician of such use. Forty-one percent used an herbal remedy sometimes to always to self-treat before seeking medical care from a physician. Fifteen percent of adults treated their children with herbs. Nearly all (86%) respondents believed the herb was helpful or very helpful.CONCLUSIONS:A significant number of the adults surveyed in the Toledo metropolitan area commonly used complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). There were no independent factors associated with herbal remedy use. It is important for healthcare providers to acknowledge this growing trend of CAM therapy use and begin to incorporate open discussion about CAM into the patient—provider relationship.

Intrahousehold resource allocation and child growth in Mozambique: an ethnographic case–control study

This study examines the effect of intrahousehold cash income control and decision-making patterns on child growth in the rural town of Sussundenga in Manica Province, Mozambique. A case–control study design was used to examine the influence of men's and women's disaggregated cash incomes on child growth. The research tested whether greater maternal share of household cash income was associated with (1) increased maternal decision-making and bargaining power in the household, and (2) better child growth. Fifty case households, with children 1–4 years old exhibiting poor growth, were matched with 50 control households of similar socioeconomic status in which all children under five demonstrated healthy growth. Data were gathered on gender-specific income generation and expenditure, specific intrahousehold allocation processes, diet, and sociodemographic variables using a formal survey. Key informant interviews, focus groups, and observation over one year provided ethnographic context for the case–control findings. Case–control differences were analyzed using McNemar's test, paired t-test, and conditional logistic regression. In spite of matching households for socioeconomic status, control household incomes were still slightly greater than cases. Male spouse income was also higher among controls while maternal income, and maternal proportion of household income, were not significantly different. Household meat, fish and poultry consumption, and maternal education were significantly greater among control households than cases. Greater maternal share of household income was not associated with greater maternal decision-making around cash. However, mothers must spend what little cash they earn on daily food supplies and usually request additional cash from spouses to cover these costs. There is evidence that if mothers earn enough to cover these socially prescribed costs, they can spend cash for other needs. Above this threshold, women's earnings may confer more bargaining power. The research also revealed a nuclearization of households, attenuation of community bonds of mutual aid, and increasing importance of cash for survival.

Dispositions to Buy Postcards with Aboriginal Designs at Ulu ru-Kata Tjuta National Park

This research note assesses the probability of visitors to the cultural centre at UluruKata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory, Australia, buying a post card bearing traditional Aboriginal designs. The sample comprised 358 respondents interviewed at two locations, the Desert Park, Alice Springs, and the cafeteria of the cultural centre at Uluru-Kata Tjuta NationalPark.Of the respondents approximately one-third indicated on a Juster Scale that there was a likelihood of 70% or more to purchase such a postcard. However, no specific socio-demographic variables were found to be associated with this group other than they were more likely to be female. It was also found that this interest in postcard purchases bearing 'Aboriginal designs' had no correlation with other items on the scale that related to Aboriginal culture. There is a discussion of ethical issues of any decision to produce 'Aboriginal postcards'.

FAMILY CHARACTERISTICS AS PREDICTORS OF INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES IN CHICANO CHILDREN'S EMERGENT SCHOOL READINESS

ABSTRACTThis study of normal young children in 100 two‐parent Chicano households of widely varied socioeconomic levels assessed the ability of selected family sociodemographic and intellectual characteristics to predict individual differences in the children's performance on a measure of emergent school readiness. Data were collected longitudinally in the home at ages 30, 42, and 48 months. Emergent school readiness was measured using the Preschool Inventory, administered at each of the last two longitudinal points. The family characteristics examined were (a) specific sociodemographic variables (household financial income, mother's and father's schooling attainment levels, occupational status, and the family size, sibling constellation, and home language) and (b) the mother's and father's performance on the Culture Fair Intelligence Test. Contemporaneous and time‐lagged zero‐order and partial correlations and multiple regressions assessed the unique, shared, and shifting strengths of these hypothesized family predictors of child performance. Together these predictors accounted for 50% of the variance in child performance.

Predicting suicide behaviours in incarcerated settings.

Attempts to predict suicide behaviours have produced a number of useful clinical tools. Unfortunately, these have been largely designed with a specific psychiatric population or institutional setting in mind and are not easily transferred to an incarcerated setting. In 1983 the authors developed a suicide checklist which could be used to aid screening of new admissions to Remand Centres in the Province of Alberta. Studies completed to date have revealed this checklist to be a practical and reliable method of standardizing the suicide screening process. This paper presents findings from a study designed to evaluate the predictive power (discriminant validity) of the checklist. A stepwise multivariate framework is used to assess the overall ability of checklist items to discriminate a high risk group. As well, the relative importance of specific socio-demographic, clinical and historical variables is assessed. Data were collected on a cohort of consecutive admissions to the Edmonton Remand Centre during 1986. Findings reveal that marital status is the only direct statistical predictor of suicide risk. Inmates who had divorced or separated from a spouse were more likely to be active suicide risks at some time during their remand than those who were married or single. Symptom score was found to be generally predictive, however, closer assessment revealed this relationship to be heterogeneous across subgroups defined on the basis of certain criminological variables. The model which allowed for the interaction of clinical with criminological variables correctly discriminated 100% of the active suicide risks and 63% of inmates who had a prior history of suicide behaviours. The practical implications of these findings for suicide screening are discussed.