Telephone Survey Research Articles

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

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

The effect of COVID-19 on pain control in patients with a neurostimulator in situ- a retrospective study.

De-novo chronic neuropathic pain following COVID-19 is widely recognised. However, there are currently no published studies investigating the effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection on patients with pre-existing neuropathic pain who have required spinal cord stimulator (SCS) implantation. Here, the authors aimed to analyse outcomes in their institution's patients who had spinal cord stimulator (SCS) implantation or revision procedures to the system over a 5-year period. Specifically, the short-term and long-term outcomes of patients who contracted COVID-19 during the follow-up period were compared to the control group of patients who did not. Patients included in this study had spinal cord stimulator implantation (de-novo and revision procedures) between 1 January 2017 and 31 January 2022, for neuropathic pain of any aetiology. Patients deemed eligible for the study were invited to participate in a telephone survey through which clinical outcome data were collected. Pain scores were assessed with a modified form of the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI). Of 91 patients, 48 (52.7%) had contracted COVID-19 by the time of the survey. Patients who contracted COVID-19 had significantly worse BPI scores in the 'Least pain' domain following their infection and at time of the survey, when compared to their score 6 months after the operation. 22.9% (n = 11) of the patients who contracted COVID-19 experienced a change in their symptoms following their infection. Within this sub-group, there was a statistically significant deterioration in BPI scores in 10/11 domains following their infection and in 2/11 domains at time of the survey. Worsening severity of COVID-19 symptoms was not associated with worse BPI scores. Infection with SARS-CoV-2, in a significant proportion of patients with an SCS in situ, causes at least a transient deterioration in pain control. Further prospective multicentre studies are indicated to establish the prevalence of this phenomenon.

Utilization of dental care and dentate status in diabetic and nondiabetic patients across US states: An analysis using the 2020 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.

This study examines the differences, by state, in dental care utilization and tooth retention between adults with and without diabetes mellitus (DM). We conducted a secondary analysis of data from the 2020 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, an annual, state-based, random telephone survey of noninstitutionalized US civilian adults. The predictor variable was DM status. The outcome variables were time since the last dental appointment and tooth loss. We utilized multiple multinomial logistic regression models followed by postestimation procedures to determine state-level adjusted proportions for dental visits within the last year and complete teeth retention among DM and non-DM adults. Among adults with DM, 60.0% reported dentist visits within a year of survey participation, while 53.6% had complete tooth retention. As education and income levels increased, dental attendance and tooth retention increased among adults with DM. Most Southern states had a higher prevalence of DM, a lower proportion of dentist visits, and worse tooth retention among DM adults. Nationally, DM individuals were 4.3 percentage points less likely to visit a dentist and were 7 percent less likely to have complete teeth retention than non-DM adults. Compared with the national average, 25/50 states had greater disparities in dental visits between DM and non-DM adults, and 27/50 states had greater disparities in tooth loss between DM and non-DM adults. State-level variations indicate geographical and dental coverage influences on DM and dental outcomes. There is a need for state-specific interventions to improve dental access and outcomes for adults with DM.

Prevalence and validity of ICD-11 posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD: A population-based survey of Hong Kong adults

The present study aimed to report the prevalence of ICD-11 posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD (CPTSD) in the general adult Hong Kong population, and examine the validity of the Chinese International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ). This descriptive cross-sectional population-based telephone survey included a representative sample of 1070 non-institutionalized permanent Hong Kong residents ages 18–64 years. Participants provided responses to the Chinese version of the ITQ, and measures of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), depression, anxiety, and stress. Based on the diagnostic algorithm of the ITQ, 5.9% of the sample screened positive for either CPTSD or PTSD, with CPTSD (4.2%) being more common that PTSD (1.7%). Results of the confirmatory factor analysis indicated the first-order correlated 6-factor model to be the best fitting solution. Symptom cluster summed scores were all positively and significantly correlated with all criterion variables. This investigation established the prevalence rates of ICD-11 PTSD and CPTSD using a general adult population sample in Hong Kong. The Chinese ITQ demonstrated sound factorial validity and concurrent validity. Future research can further characterize ICD-11 PTSD and CPTSD in subgroups using the Chinese ITQ.

Temporal characteristics and associated factors of discontinuation and outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention.

Background: Medication adherence in patients after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is suboptimal, and discontinuation is common. Information on the temporal characteristics and associated factors of discontinuation and outcomes after PCI is insufficient to improve medication adherence interventions. Methods: We conducted a single-center retrospective study of post-PCI patients by telephone survey and medical record extraction. Temporal characteristics and associated factors of discontinuation and outcomes were examined by survival curve analysis, Cox regression, or time-dependent Cox regression. Results: Discontinuation and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) after PCI had similar temporal characteristics, with the highest incidence in the first year, followed by a decline. Temporary discontinuation was associated with pre-PCI medication nonadherence (HR 1.63; 95% CI: 1.09-2.43), lack of medication necessity (HR 2.33; 95% CI: 1.44-3.78), economic difficulties (HR 2.09; 95% CI: 1.26-3.47), routine disruption (HR 2.09; 95% CI: 1.10-3.99), and emotional distress (HR 2.76; 95% CI: 1.50-5.09). Permanent discontinuation was associated with residence in rural areas (HR 4.18; 95% CI: 1.84-9.46) or small to medium-sized cities (HR 4.21; 95% CI: 1.82-9.73), lack of medication necessity (HR 10.60; 95% CI: 6.45-17.41), and side effects (HR 3.30; 95% CI: 1.94-5.62). The MACE after PCI was associated with pre-PCI hypertension (HR 1.42; 95% CI: 1.04-1.96), two coronary stents (HR 1.42; 95% CI: 1.01-1.99) or three coronary stents (HR 1.66; 95% CI: 1.11-2.49) compared to one coronary stent up to this PCI, and temporary discontinuation (≤60 months HR 2.18; 95% CI: 1.47-3.25; >60 months HR 8.82; 95% CI: 3.65-21.28). Conclusion: Discontinuation and MACE after PCI have similar temporal characteristics, temporary discontinuation and permanent discontinuation have different associated factors, and the former is associated with MACE. These findings may provide guidance for medication adherence interventions.

Who intended to leave? Patterns and impacts of Hong Kong's recent wave of migration

AbstractDuring Hong Kong's 2019 political turmoil and the subsequent impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, a rapid rise in turnover rates in certain occupations, such as teachers, medical workers and civil servants, was observed. Some attributed this trend to the increasing rate of emigration. Previous studies have suggested that younger and better‐educated individuals are more likely to emigrate, and that the emigration of a specific group of the population has various impacts on the society of origin. Therefore, we explored the demographic characteristics of potential emigrants in Hong Kong and contrasted such findings with a previous wave of migration to examine the potential impact of the current wave. Based on a territory‐wide telephone survey, we found that (1) the associations of age and level of education with the intention to emigrate internationally (i.e., to destinations other than mainland China) corresponded to the typical young, well‐educated emigrant described in the literature; (2) a higher level of income was associated with a lower intention of international migration; (3) people in occupations such as professionals and managers, clerical and service workers and students reported a greater intention to emigrate than other groups; and (4) individuals born in Hong Kong were more likely to emigrate and less likely to move to mainland China than those born in mainland China. The implications of these intended migration patterns for ageing and fertility, short‐ and long‐term workforce shortages in tertiary sectors and the city's overall competitiveness are discussed.

Assessing Attitudes and Understanding After Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation: A Follow-Up Telephone Interview Survey.

Purpose: Assessing patient and guardian experiences regarding their history of ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) years after initial procedure. Methods: Cross-sectional follow-up telephone survey. A questionnaire developed by The Pediatric Initiative Network of the Oncofertility Consortium, modified to assess intent and attitudes regarding OTC, tissue access knowledge, financial burden of tissue storage, and intent to use tissue, was utilized. Interviews were conducted for those who underwent OTC at a metropolitan children's hospital between 2013 and 2022. Results: Of 60 eligible patients, 39 interviews were completed. Contacted patients were 3-28 years old, with minors accompanied by guardians. Average age at OTC was 8.5 years old, and 5.1% (2/39) were deceased at the time of contact. All interviewees underwent OTC for fertility preservation before gonadotoxic treatment. Seventy percent of patients (7/10) and 48.1% (13/27) of guardians stated they would use frozen tissue for pregnancy, with 50% (5/10) of patients and 59.3% (16/27) of guardians not understanding tissue access. Regret occurred in 10% (1/10) of patients and 3.4% (1/29) of guardians. It was associated with 10.8% (4/37) of tissue discard due to failed storage payments. Financial concerns occurred in 29.7% (11/37) of interviewees. Overall, 92.3% (36/39) would recommend OTC, and 94.9% (37/39) would repeat their choice to undergo OTC. Conclusion: Follow-up after OTC is essential to patient understanding of tissue status, access, and payments. Most do not regret OTC, except in cases of financial burden leading to tissue discard. Follow-up should be sequentially scheduled and include counseling on financial assistance programs.

Patient Perceptions of Surveillance of Small Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms in the Over 85s

Recently instigated local practice for patients with small abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) involves contacting all patients, aged ≥85 years, to discuss with them the advantages and disadvantages of removal from surveillance. However, reasons why patients opt to remain on, or come off, surveillance, are currently unknown. The present study's objective is to explore patient perception of surveillance decision-making. A mixed-methods exploratory evaluation was undertaken using patient feedback obtained from a telephone survey. All patients aged ≥85 years, who had a consultation regarding ongoing surveillance of small AAAs (30-49 mm), and consented, were contacted by researchers, who conducted semi-structured interviews concerning factors influencing decision-making. A total of 24 patients (20 male; mean age = 86.9 years) were interviewed; 16 of 24 (66%) had opted to remain on surveillance, with no age difference between those opting in or out. Most felt surveillance was important (91%), and that it made them feel safer (73%). The majority (73%) thought they knew what happened when their AAA reached threshold (5.5 cm), what happened when a threshold AAA is not fixed (64%), and how major AAA surgery is (59%). However, actual knowledge was poor: most (91%) correctly understood surgery was major, but 56% thought that threshold AAA meant certain death or rupture; and 38% thought immediate surgery was required. Thematic analysis expounded patients' beliefs regarding surveillance, which were summarized in 3 distinct subgroups: reliance on professionals' opinions, needing peace of mind, and poor understanding. While most patients find surveillance reassuring, patient knowledge of AAA management at threshold is poor, potentially impacting surveillance decision-making. Elderly patients, with small AAAs contemplating ongoing surveillance, need to be better informed about AAA management at threshold to support shared decision-making.

Assimilation of socially assistive robots by older adults: an interplay of uses, constraints and outcomes.

By supporting autonomy, aging in place, and wellbeing in later life, Socially Assistive Robots are expected to help humanity face the challenges posed by the rapid aging of the world's population. For the successful acceptance and assimilation of SARs by older adults, it is necessary to understand the factors affecting their Quality Evaluations Previous studies examining Human-Robot Interaction in later life indicated that three aspects shape older adults' overall QEs of robots: uses, constraints, and outcomes. However, studies were usually limited in duration, focused on acceptance rather than assimilation, and typically explored only one aspect of the interaction. In the present study, we examined uses, constraints, and outcomes simultaneously and over a long period. Nineteen community-dwelling older adults aged 75-97 were given a SAR for physical training for 6 weeks. Their experiences were documented via in-depth interviews conducted before and after the study period, short weekly telephone surveys, and reports produced by the robots. Analysis revealed two distinct groups: (A) The 'Fans' - participants who enjoyed using the SAR, attributed added value to it, and experienced a successful assimilation process; and (B) The 'Skeptics' - participants who did not like it, negatively evaluated its use, and experienced a disappointing assimilation process. Despite the vast differences between the groups, both reported more positive evaluations of SARs at the end of the study than before it began. Overall, the results indicated that the process of SARs' assimilation is not homogeneous and provided a profound understanding of the factors shaping older adults' QE of SARs following actual use. Additionally, the findings demonstrated the theoretical and practical usefulness of a holistic approach in researching older SARs users.

Development and Validation of a Measure to Assess Patient Experiences With Video Care Encounters

As video-based care expands in many clinical settings, assessing patient experiences with this care modality will help optimize health care quality, safety, and communication. To develop and assess the psychometric properties of the video visit user experience (VVUE) measure, a patient-reported measure of experiences with video-based technology. In this survey study, veterans completed a web-based, mail, or telephone survey about their use of Veterans Healthcare Administration (VHA) virtual care between September 2021 and January 2022. The survey was completed by patients who reported having a VHA video visit on their own device or a VHA-issued device and linked to VHA utilization data for the 6 months following the survey. Data analysis was performed from March 2022 to February 2023. The survey included 19 items about experiences with video visits that were rated using a 4-point Likert-type scale (strongly disagree to strongly agree). First, an exploratory factor analysis was conducted to determine the factor structure and parsimonious set of items, using the McDonald Omega test to assess internal consistency reliability. Then, a confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to test structural validity, and bivariate correlations between VVUE and VHA health care engagement were calculated to test concurrent validity. Finally, predictive validity was assessed using logistic regression to determine whether VVUE was associated with future VHA video visit use. Among 1887 respondents included in the analyses, 83.2% (95% CI, 81.5%-84.8%) were male, 41.0% (95% CI, 38.8%-43.1%) were aged 65 years or older, and the majority had multiple chronic medical and mental health conditions. The exploratory factor analysis identified a 10-item single-factor VVUE measure (including questions about satisfaction, user-centeredness, technical quality, usefulness, and appropriateness), explaining 96% of the total variance, with acceptable internal consistency reliability (ω = 0.95). The confirmatory factor analysis results confirmed a single-factor solution (standardized root mean squared residual = 0.04). VVUE was positively associated with VHA health care engagement (ρ = 0.47; P < .001). Predictive validity models demonstrated that higher VVUE measure scores were associated with future use of video visits, where each 1-point increase on VVUE was associated with greater likelihood of having a video visit in subsequent 6 months (adjusted odds ratio, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.02-1.06). The findings of this study of veterans using video visits suggest that a brief measure is valid to capture veterans' experiences receiving VHA virtual care.

Beer taxes associate with lower alcohol and cigarette use; cigarette taxes associate with lower cigarette but higher alcohol use

ABSTRACT Background: There is a yet unmet opportunity to utilize data on taxes and individual behaviors to yield insight for analyzing studies involving alcohol and cigarette use. Objectives: To inform the direction and strength of their mutual associations by leveraging the fact that taxation can affect individual consumption, but individual consumption cannot affect taxation. Methods: We linked state-level data on cigarette and beer taxes in 2009–2020 with individual-level data on self-reported current cigarette and alcohol use from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, a telephone survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that is representative of the population of each state in the United States. We constructed linear and logistic models to examine associations between a $1 increase in cigarette taxes per pack and a $1 increase in beer taxes per gallon and self-reported cigarette use and alcohol consumption (assessed as any current intake, average drinks/day, heavy drinking, and binge drinking), adjusting for survey year and individual characteristics. Results: Among 2,968,839,352 respondents (49% male), a $1 increase in beer taxes was associated with .003 (95% confidence interval [CI] −.013, .008) fewer drinks/day and lower odds of any drinking (odds ratio [OR] = .81 95%CI .80, .83), heavy drinking (OR = .96 95%CI .93, .99), binge drinking (OR = .82 95%CI .80, .83), and smoking (OR = .98 95%CI .96, 1.00). In contrast, a $1 increase in cigarette taxes was associated with lower odds of smoking (OR = .94 95%CI .94, .95) but .007 (95%CI .005, .010) more drinks/day, and higher odds of any drinking (OR = 1.10 95%CI 1.10, 1.11), heavy drinking (OR = 1.02 95%CI 1.01, 1.02), and binge drinking (OR = .82 95%CI .80, .83). Conclusion: Higher beer taxes were associated with lower odds of drinking and smoking, but higher cigarette taxes were associated with lower odds of smoking and higher alcohol consumption. These results suggest that alcohol intake may be a determinant of cigarette use rather than cigarette use as a determinant of alcohol intake.

The association of payer type on genicular radiofrequency neurotomy treatment outcomes: Results of a cross-sectional study

BackgroundGenicular radiofrequency neurotomy (GRFN) is an effective treatment for a subset of individuals with chronic knee pain. Previous studies demonstrate that Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries report worse outcomes following various interventional procedures compared with commercially insured patients. ObjectiveEvaluate the association of payer type on GRFN treatment outcomes. MethodsConsecutive patients who underwent GRFN at a tertiary academic center were contacted for participation. Demographic, clinical, and procedural characteristics were collected from electronic medical records. Outcome data were collected by standardized telephone survey at 6–12 months, 12–24 months and ≥24 months. Treatment success was defined as ≥50% numerical pain rating scale (NPRS) score reduction from baseline. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics for demographic, clinical, and procedural characteristics. Logistic and Poisson regression analyses were performed to examine the association of variables of interest and pain reduction. ResultsOne hundred thirty-four patients treated with GRFN (mean 65.6 ± 12.7 years of age, 59.7% female) with a mean follow-up time of 23.3 ± 11.3 months were included. Payer type composition was 48.5% commercial (n = 65), 45.5% Medicare (n = 61), 3.7% Medicaid (n = 5), 1.5% government (n = 2), and 0.8% self-pay (n = 1). Overall, 47.8% of patients (n = 64) reported ≥50% NPRS score reduction after GRFN. After adjusting for age, follow-up duration, Kellgren-Lawrence osteoarthritis grade, baseline opioid use, antidepressant/antianxiety medication use, history of knee replacement, and number of RFN lesions placed, the logistic regression model showed no statically significant association between payer type and treatment outcome (OR = 2.11; 95% CI = 0.87, 5.11; p = 0.098). Discussion/conclusionIn this study, after adjusting for demographic, clinical, and procedural characteristics, we found no association between payer type and treatment success following GRFN. This observation contrasts findings from other interventional studies reporting an association between payer category and treatment success.

Periodontal health literacy in Germany-Results of a telephone survey.

Assess the periodontal health literacy of German adolescents, adults and senior residents. The prevalence of periodontitis is high. One explanation for this may be that people lack periodontal health literacy (PHL). This was a cross-sectional descriptive study. Former participants of the 5th German Oral Health Study (n = 333 16-year-olds, n = 307 39-48-year-olds, n = 332 69-78-year-olds) participated in a computer-assisted telephone interview. Open-ended questions (OEQs) were used to assess the participants' current knowledge. Corresponding single- and multiple-choice questions (SCQs and MCQs) supplemented the OEQs to allow detailed analyses of the nature of the knowledge gaps. Less than 10% of the participants in the three age groups could explain the term 'periodontitis' or select the correct answer in an SCQ. Responding to the OEQs, 89% of 16-year olds, 64% of 39-48-year-olds, and 59% of 69-78-year-olds, could not name any consequence of periodontitis, and 83%, 51%, and 60%, respectively, could not name any risk factors. The OEQs regarding proper oral hygiene behaviour revealed that participants lacked awareness regarding important aspects of oral hygiene (e.g., systematics) or areas to which they should pay attention to (e.g., interdental spaces and gingival margins). The survey revealed PHL deficits in German adolescents, adults, and seniors and a need for community-based measures to improve PHL in all age groups. Dental teams should be aware that their patients might lack the PHL necessary for understanding and adherence to professional dental advice, and that they might even lack PHL regarding the proper use of oral hygiene devices.

Patterns of sex behaviors and factors associated with condomless anal intercourse during the COVID-19 pandemic among men who have sex with men in Hong Kong: A cross-sectional study.

The present study examined the patterns of sex behaviors before and during COVID-19, and identified the factors associated with condomless anal intercourse during COVID-19 from individual, interpersonal, and contextual level among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Hong Kong. A cross-sectional study was conducted among MSM in Hong Kong. A total of 463 MSM completed a cross-sectional telephone survey between March 2021 and January 2022. Among all participants, the mean number of regular sex partners, non-regular sex partners, and casual sex partners during the COVID-19 period were 1.24, 2.09, and 0.08 respectively. Among those who had sex with regular, non-regular, and casual sex partner during the COVID-19 period, respectively 52.4%, 31.8% and 46.7% reported condomless anal intercourse. Compared to the pre-COVID-19 period, participants reported significantly fewer number of regular and non-regular sex partners during the COVID-19 period. However, a higher level of condomless anal intercourse with all types of sex partners during the COVID-19 period was also observed. Adjusted for significant socio-demographic variables, results from logistic regression analyses revealed that perceived severity of COVID-19 (aOR = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.58, 0.88), COVID-19 risk reduction behaviors in general (aOR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.48, 0.96), COVID-19 risk reduction behaviors during sex encounters (aOR = 0.45, 95% CI = 0.30, 0.66), condom negotiation (aOR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.44, 0.86), and collective efficacy (aOR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.64, 0.98) were protective factors of condomless anal intercourse with any type of sex partners during the COVID-19 period. The COVID-19 control measures have caused a dramatic impact on the sexual behavior of MSM in Hong Kong. Interventions that promote condom use during the COVID-19 pandemic are still needed and such interventions could emphasize prevention of both COVID-19 and HIV.

What Happens After Discharge? A 2+ Year Follow-Up After Laparoscopic Subtotal Fenestrating and Reconstituting Cholecystectomy.

Laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy (LSC) is utilized to prevent complications in the difficult cholecystectomy. Medium-term outcomes are poorly studied for fenestrating and reconstituting operative techniques. A single-institution retrospective review was undertaken of all LSCs. A telephone survey was used to identify complications addressed at other institutions. We performed subgroup analyses by operative approach and of patients requiring postoperative endoscopic intervention (ERC). 28 patients met inclusion criteria. The median follow-up was 32.7 months. There were no bile duct injuries or reoperations. 21% of patients required a postoperative ERC and 50% were discharged home with a drain. Bile leaks were found to be more prevalent in the fenestrating LSC group (38% vs 0%, P = .003). The case series suggested more severe recurrent biliary disease in patients undergoing reconstituting LSC. Laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy appears to have satisfactory medium-term outcomes. The reconstituting LSC group trends toward more severe recurrent disease which warrants further investigation.

Compliance and Experience of Quarantine during the 1st Wave of COVID-19 Pandemic in Mumbai.

At the beginning of the pandemic, quarantine was thought to be the most effective way to contain the spread of the virus among international travelers and any potential carriers. This study assessed the type of quarantine, compliance to quarantine measures (QM), mood, and any social stigma faced during that period. After approval from the institutional ethics committee, a telephonic interview survey was conducted. Individuals above 18 years of age visiting the only functioning COVID-19 screening outpatient department at Kasturba Hospital between March 1, 2020, and March 10, 2020 were included in the study. A total of 263 individuals were interviewed. Out of 263 respondents, 71% and 34% of individuals had a history of international travel and contact history, respectively. Only 63% had read the guidelines on home QM. Among individuals quarantined, 127 that living alone in their apartments, 60 were in a single room with relatives outside, 37 were living with family members because they did not have another room, and 39 were staying in a facility quarantine center. On assessing the QM followed, wearing a mask was the least followed (46%). The average score of compliance to QM was 82.6%. Seventy-two per cent rated their mood as "5" on a scale of 1-10. Social stigma was reported by 7.6% of respondents. Among the early set of quarantined individuals in the city during the first wave of the pandemic, average score of compliance to QM was high even though lesser people recalled reading the guideline on home QM.

Effect of implementation strategies on the routine provision of antenatal care addressing smoking in pregnancy: study protocol for a non-randomised stepped-wedge cluster controlled trial

IntroductionGlobally, guideline-recommended antenatal care for smoking cessation is not routinely delivered by antenatal care providers. Implementation strategies have been shown to improve the delivery of clinical practices across a variety...

Age-related differences in the impact of resilience on mental health outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic in Hong Kong.

This study investigated changes in mental health in Hong Kong over two years and examined the role of resilience and age in mitigating the negative effects of public health emergencies, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic. Complete data of interest from two telephone surveys conducted in 2020 (n=1182) and 2021 (n=1108) were analysed. Participants self-reported depressive and anxiety symptoms using the Patient Health Questionnaire 4-item version (PHQ), psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) using three items from the Prodromal Questionnaire Brief (PQB), and resilience using the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale 2-item version (CD-RISC-2). We observed an increase in the percentage of participants with high depressive and anxiety symptoms and PLEs from 1.6% to 6.5% between 2020 and 2021. The likelihood of having high depressive and anxiety symptoms or PLEs depended on resilience and age, with no significant between-year differences. Resilience and age interaction effects were significant when comparing the high PHQ-high PQB group to the low PHQ-low PQB group only in 2021 but not in 2020. This study provides valuable insights into the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health in Hong Kong, emphasising the age-dependent nature of resilience in mitigating negative effects. Future research should explore the mechanisms by which resilience promotes mental health and well-being and identify ways to enhance resilience among older individuals during public health crises.

The intersection of adverse childhood experiences and neighborhood determinants of health: An exploratory spatial analysis.

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with elevated risk for poor physical and psychological health outcomes. Nearly all of the literature on the association between ACEs and poor health focuses on the individual and family level; the potential role of neighborhood environment is overlooked. Understanding the relationship between ACEs and characteristics of the neighborhood environment is a necessary first step in determining if and how place-based, trauma-informed interventions might mitigate the negative effects of ACEs. The purpose of this exploratory study was to describe the neighborhood environment of adults who have experienced ≥ 4 versus ≤ 3 ACEs. An exploratory secondary analysis of cross-sectional and geospatial data was conducted during 2021. Data sources included 2011/2012 Philadelphia ACE Survey data, a telephone survey of 1,784 randomly sampled Philadelphia adults, linked with geospatial data on 21 neighborhood-level determinants of health. Neighborhood was defined as participant's home census tract at the time of survey. The sample for this secondary analysis included the 1,679 Philadelphia ACE Survey participants for whom home census tract was available. Bivariate logistic regression examined differences between groups (≤ 3 ACEs vs. ≥ 4 ACEs). Individuals with ≥ 4 ACEs lived in neighborhoods with higher neighborhood poverty rates, less socioeconomic resources, worse food access, poorer perceived physical and mental health, more substance overdose deaths, higher crime, and less green space. Findings suggest future work may benefit from considering neighborhood environments when examining and intervening upon the association between ACEs and poor physical and psychological health. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

An innovative low-cost breast pump-hire program to enhance breastfeeding rates in a neonatal intensive care unit.

To evaluate the outcomes of a low-cost hospital-grade breast pump hire program for women experiencing financial hardship with infants in neonatal intensive care. A multi-method evaluation including data audits and surveys. Twenty-four electric breast pumps were purchased and rented to mothers at a cost of $1/day. To be eligible, mothers needed to have given birth to an infant <32 weeks and/or <1500 g and self-identified as experiencing financial hardship. Data were collected by (1) a retrospective audit to evaluate infant feeding and clinical outcomes at hospital discharge; (2) prospective telephone surveys to evaluate women's satisfaction with the program; and (3) analysis of the breast pump register to determine any loss or damages. Twenty-four mothers of 26 infants participated in the program. More than half of the infants were exclusively breastmilk fed at hospital discharge, and more than three-quarters were fed a combination of breastmilk and formula. Women who intended to formula feed were supported to provide breastmilk to their infants in the first few weeks of life. Most participants were highly satisfied with the program. Women reported that accessibility to a hospital-grade breast pump improved their ability to provide expressed breastmilk to their infants. Most participants were 'extremely satisfied' with the performance of the breast pump. One-quarter of the women reported that they would have exclusively formula-fed if they did not have access to the breast pump hire program. The audit of the equipment register showed no reported technical issues, loss or damages. The findings suggested that the low-cost breast pump hire program supported equitable care, increasing women's ability to provide expressed breastmilk for their infants. Providing access to low-cost hospital-grade breast pumps to mothers of vulnerable infants is likely to prevent poor infant clinical outcomes and improve women's care satisfaction. Nil.