Variance In Use Research Articles

THE FRACTURE ANKLE IMPLANT REVIEW (FAIR) STUDY: A NATIONAL MULTICENTRE RETROSPECTIVE REVIEW OF IMPLANTS, FIXATION METHODS, AND OUTCOMES IN FIBULA FIXATION IN ANKLE FRACTURES

BackgroundIn fixation of the fibula in ankle fractures, AO advocate using a lag screw and one-third tubular neutralisation plate for simple patterns. Where a lag screw cannot be placed, bridging fixation is required. A local pilot service evaluation previously identified variance in use of locking plates in all patterns with significant cost implications. The FAIR study aimed to evaluate current practice and implant use across the United Kingdom (UK) and review outcomes and complication rates between different fibula fixation methods.MethodThe study was supported by CORNET, the North East trainee research collaborative, and BOTA. Data was collected using REDCap from 22 centres in the UK retrospectively for a one-year period between 1st January 2019 and 31st December 2019 on injury mechanism, fracture characteristics, comorbidities, fixation and complications. Follow-up data was collected to at least two-years from the time surgery.Results1448 ankle fractures which involved fixation of the fibula were recorded; one-third tubular plate was used in 866 (59.8%) cases, a locking plate in 463 (32.0%) cases and other methods in 119 (8.2%) cases. There was significant difference between centres (p<0.001) in implant type used. Other factors associated with implant type were age, diabetes, osteoporosis, open fractures, fracture pattern and the presence of comminution. Incidence of lateral wound breakdown was higher in locking plates than one-third tubular plates (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in infection, non-union, fixation failure or removal of metalware.ConclusionThere is significant variation in practice in the UK in implant use for fixation of the fibula in ankle fractures. Potentially unnecessary use of locking plates, where a one-third tubular shows equivalent outcomes, incurs additional cost and may increase the risk of lateral wound breakdown. We would encourage surgeons with high locking plate usage to evaluate their own unit's practice against this data.

Examining the key drivers of student acceptance of online labs

ABSTRACT As an important tool for STEM education, online labs have gained significant research attention. However, our understanding of online labs is limited by the inattention to the factors that contribute to the acceptance of online labs. This study adopts the UTAUT model to investigate the salient determinants of use of online labs. We test the proposed research model with data from N = 194 students. We find that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and social influence are positively related to behavioral intention. Behavioral Intention, in turn, is positively related to use. In contrast, the association between facilitating conditions and use is not significant. In terms of the moderating links in the research model, age did not moderate any of the four links (performance expectancy and behavioral intention; effort expectancy and behavioral intention; social influence and behavioral intention; facilitating conditions and use) and gender did not moderate any of the three links (performance expectancy and behavioral intention; effort expectancy and behavioral intention; social influence and behavioral intention). The three variables (performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and social influence) explain 61.4% of variance in behavioral intention. In contrast, the two variables (behavioral intention and facilitating conditions) explain only 15.7% of variance in use. .

Smartphone Alcohol Use Disorder Recovery Apps: Cross-sectional Survey of Behavioral Intention to Use.

BackgroundAlcohol use disorder (AUD) carries a huge health and economic cost to society. Effective interventions exist but numerous challenges limit their adoption, especially in a pandemic context. AUD recovery apps (AUDRA) have emerged as a potential complement to in-person interventions. They are easy to access and show promising results in terms of efficacy. However, they rely on individual adoption decisions and remain underused.ObjectiveThe aim of this survey study is to explore the beliefs that determine the intention to use AUDRA.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey study of people with AUD. We used the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology, which predicts use and behavioral intention to use based on performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions. Participants were recruited directly from 2 sources; first, respondents at addiction treatment facilities in Ontario, Canada, were contacted in person, and they filled a paper form; second, members from AUD recovery support groups on social media were contacted and invited to fill an internet-based survey. The survey was conducted between October 2019 and June 2020.ResultsThe final sample comprised 159 participants (124 involved in the web-based survey and 35 in the paper-based survey) self-identifying somewhat or very much with AUD. Most participants (n=136, 85.5%) were aware of AUDRA and those participants scored higher on performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and social influence. Overall, the model explains 35.4% of the variance in the behavioral intention to use AUDRA and 11.1% of the variance in use. Social influence (P=.31), especially for women (P=.23), and effort expectancy (P=.25) were key antecedents of behavioral intention. Facilitating conditions were not significant overall but were moderated by age (P=.23), suggesting that it matters for older participants. Performance expectancy did not predict behavioral intention, which is unlike many other technologies but confirms other findings associated with mobile health (mHealth). Open-ended questions suggest that privacy concerns may significantly influence the use of AUDRA.ConclusionsThis study suggests that unlike many other technologies, the adoption of AUDRA is not mainly determined by utilitarian factors such as performance expectancy. Rather, effort expectancy and social influence play a key role in determining the intention to use AUDRA.

Misuse of over the counter and prescription only medication by people accessing specialist treatment services: a systematic review

Abstract Introduction Over the Counter (OTC) and Prescription Only Medication (POM) are misused by people who access substance misuse services (SMS). Harms include impact upon physical/mental wellbeing and potentially fatal overdoses, with concerns growing amongst healthcare professionals, commissioners and the general public (1). SMS must respond to increasing demand and no known systematic review has explored this (2). Aim To examine the literature on the pattern of OTC/POM misuse among adults accessing SMS, including the types of medication, prevalence and associated characteristics. Methods The protocol for this systematic review has been published (2), registered on PROSPERO (CRD42020135216) and undertaken in line with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). A comprehensive search was conducted, incorporating Cochrane, OVID Medline, Pubmed, Scopus and Web of Science databases and grey literature. Two independent reviewers conducted the title and abstract screenings, followed by full-text reviews, using predetermined selection criteria. Only publications in English, outlining OTC/POM misuse by adults (18 years or over) in receipt of psychological/pharmacological interventions for substance misuse were included. A third reviewer resolved disagreements if consensus could not be reached. Data was extracted using a pilot-tested form, from full-texts of included studies to ensure a consistent approach. Heterogeneity was assessed and the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) considered the risk of bias for all studies. Results In 2021, the database search provided 3684 results, reducing to 2047 after reviewing grey literature, hand-checking reference lists and removing duplicates. Ineligible publications were excluded, resulting in 143 potentially relevant papers. Restricting to UK-based publications reduced this to thirteen with notable heterogeneity. The third reviewer was consulted on one occasion. Meta-/subgroup analyses were not feasible due an absence of randomised controlled trials/systematic reviews, the limited consistent information available and insufficient detail across all publications; therefore, a narrative synthesis was conducted. To reduce bias risk and add robustness, all publications were included. Based on the MMAT assessment, GRADE-CERQual indicated ‘high confidence’ for all review findings, despite moderate methodological limitations. Benzodiazepines, opioids and antihistamines were most frequently cited, and predominantly sourced online, from (various) GPs/pharmacies, street dealers and friends/family. Some older publications mentioned medicines that are no longer used in clinical practice. Adverse consequences included complications from injecting, criminal activity and withdrawal symptoms which perpetuated use. Misuse also occurred for other reasons, including desired psychoactive effect, to manage psychiatric/pain conditions and street drug shortages. There was significant variance in use, often alongside other substances, especially amphetamine, cannabis and opioids. Conclusion Restricting to UK-only due to the resource available notably limited the number of publications; however, this enabled a more detailed assessment and increased the relevance of findings, because there are differences in drug markets and medicine availability between countries. OTC/POM misuse is common amongst people accessing SMS and polypharmacy is concerning. A different approach to the management of OTC/POM misuse may be required: SMS improvements including withdrawal management must be considered and the need for further UK-based research was highlighted. References (1) Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs. Diversion and Illicit Supply of Medicines. London: Home Office; 2016. (2) Gittins R, Missen L, Maidment I. Misuse of medication in adult substance misuse services: a systematic review protocol. BMJ Open 2021;11:e047283.

Determinants of Ruminant Farmers' Use of Sustainable Production Practices for Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation in Enugu State, Nigeria.

A sustainable ruminant production system ensures economically viable livestock systems that meet the current and future demands of animal products as well as the environmental safety of current and future generations. The study analyzed the determinants of ruminant farmers' use of sustainable production practices for climate change adaptation and mitigation in Enugu State, Nigeria. Multistage sampling procedure was used to select ninety six (96) ruminant farmers that constituted the sample for the study. Semi-structured interview schedule with open ended questions was used in data collection. Data were analyzed using multiple regression and Pearson Moment Correlation statistics. Access to veterinary services (t = 2.056, p = 0.044), monthly household income (t = 3.582, p = 0.001) and annual income from ruminant production (t = −2.635, p = 0.011) were socio-economic factors that significantly influenced use of sustainable practices. The adjusted R- square implies that the three factors were able to explain 24% of variance in use of sustainable practices. There is a significant positive correlation (r = 0.426, p = 0.000) between knowledge level of farmers and their use of sustainable production practices. Schemes for financial inclusion such as payment for ecosystem services can spur farmers to adopt mitigation strategies. Improved climate change knowledge can enhance ruminant farmer's resilience to the increasing impacts of climate change.

Factors influencing the coping strategies of liver cancer patients undergoing transarterial chemoembolization.

This study explored the association between social support, resilience and coping strategies among patients with liver cancer and evaluated the extent to which patients' use of various coping strategies can be explained by social support and resilience. This cross-sectional study comprised 119 patients who experienced transarterial chemoembolization related to liver cancer and who completed the Social Support Scale, the Resilience Scale and the Ways of Coping Checklist-Revised. Results indicated a significant positive correlation between social support and use of problem-focused coping strategies and overall coping strategies. In addition, results showed a significant positive correlation between resilience and use of problem-focused strategies, emotion-focused strategies and overall coping strategies. Social support accounted for 14% of variance in use of problem-focused strategies and 7.6% of the variance in overall coping strategies. Resilience accounted for 30.5% of the variance in use of problem-focused strategies, 8.5% in use of emotion-focused strategies and 21.6% of overall coping strategies. Results of this study highlight the importance of social support and resilience in patients' coping strategies related to liver cancer treatment.

The influence of organizational factors, eldercare worker characteristics and care situation on the use of assistive devices during resident handling in eldercare work

We evaluated the influence of organization, eldercare worker and care situation on the use of assistive devices during resident handling in eldercare work. We conducted a multi-level study among 20 nursing homes, 126 wards within the nursing homes, 549 eldercare workers within the wards, who performed a total of 1306 care episodes including 3695 resident handlings. The influence of organization (i.e. nursing home and ward), eldercare worker and care situation (i.e. care episode and resident handling) on the use of assistive devices was evaluated using variance components analysis and multivariate generalized linear mixed model. Nursing homes, wards, eldercare workers, care episodes and ‘within care episode’ all contributed to the total variance in use of assistive devices. Organizational factors and care situation factors were significantly associated with use of assistive devices. All levels of the nursing homes, but in particular care situation, influence the use of assistive devices during resident handling.

Risk factors associated with use of coercive practices in adult mental health inpatients: A systematic review.

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: Coercive practices such as restraint (physically holding a person) or seclusion (containing a person in locked room) are frequently used in mental health care. How often and which specific practices are used is not consistent across different healthcare systems, hospitals or wards. Internationally, there is agreement on the need to monitor and reduce the use of coercive practices. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: The reviewed evidence suggests a number of different factors affect a person's risk of experiencing coercive practices, while admitted to a mental health ward. However, there is currently not enough high-quality research evidence to say which factors are most important or how they work to influence the likelihood of a person experiencing coercive practice. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: When carrying out risk assessments, mental health professionals must take into account that a number of different factors are important and explore these with the patient. Care plans aimed at minimizing the use of coercive practices, such as restraint, must be personalized and developed with the individual. ABSTRACT: Introduction Coercive practices, such as physical restraint and seclusion, are a common feature of all mental healthcare systems. However, there is considerable variation in their use, concern about their iatrogenic potential and agreement internationally on the need to monitor and reduce their use. Aims To examine the evidence concerning risk factors associated with use of coercive practices in adults admitted to inpatient psychiatric services. Method A systematic review, consistent with PRIMSA guidelines, of four databases (PsychINFO, Medline, CINHAL and Embase). Peer-reviewed, English language articles from database inception to February 2020 were included. Methodological quality was assessed using the Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies. Results Twenty studies met inclusion criteria. Risk factors examined in the studies organized around four categories: patient socio-demographic; patient clinical; staff; and organizational factors. Overall, methodological quality of papers was deemed weak, and there was insufficient evidence to support any singular risk factor. Discussion The reviewed evidence suggests risk of coercive practice in inpatient mental health settings is multifactorial. Further research to standardize concept definitions and elucidate the mechanisms behind variance in use is required. Implications for Practice Assessment of patients at risk of coercive practice must take a multifactorial approach.

E-Learning Services to Achieve Sustainable Learning and Academic Performance: An Empirical Study

E-Learning has proven to be the only resort as a replacement of traditional face-to-face learning methods in the current global lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic. Academic institutions across the globe have invested heavily into E-Learning and the majority of the courses offered in traditional classroom mode have been converted into E-Learning mode. The success of E-Learning initiatives needs to be ensured to make it a sustainable mode of learning. The objective of the current study is to propose a holistic E-Learning service framework to ensure effective delivery and use of E-Learning Services that contributes to sustainable learning and academic performance. Based on an extensive literature review, a proposed theoretical model has been developed and tested empirically. The model identifies a broad range of success determinants and relates them to different success measures, including learning and academic performance. The proposed model was validated with the response from 397 respondents involved with an E-Learning system in the top five public universities in the southern region of Saudi Arabia through the Partial Least Squares regression technique using SmartPLS software. Five main factors (Learner’s Quality, Instructor’s Quality, Information’s Quality, System’s Quality and Institutional Quality) were identified as a determinant of E-Learning service performance which together explains 48.7% of the variance of perceived usefulness of ELS, 71.2% of the variance of use of the E-Learning system. Perceived usefulness of ELS and use of ELS together explain 70.6% of learning and academic performance of students. Hence the framework will help achieve the sustainable and successful adoption of E-Learning services.

Mutual Influence Study of Food Acids and Polysaccharides of Different Nature on the Sensory Perception of Low-Calorie Sweet Dishes

Abstract The inclusion of polysaccharide thickeners in the recipes of sweet dishes increases the functional reserves of the body, contributes to the preservation of health and the prevention of diseases. The purpose of the research is to study the sensory characteristics of polysaccharides of various nature when combined with food acids, to develop a recipe for a basic mixture of low-calorie meals for public catering. The authors analyzed citric, lactic and succinic acids in combinations with polysaccharides of various nature. Organoleptic tests were evaluated by a touch panel. The organization of the tasting analysis corresponded to GOST ISO 6658-2016; the consistency was determined according to GOST 31986-2012, GOST ISO 11036-2017, GOST ISO 8588-2011. The optimal organoleptic combinations of the presented food acids and complex additives of sweeteners (CDP) were identified, which included aspartame, sodium saccharinate, Sucralose, sweetness coefficient – 340: the mixture with citric acid had a long pleasant aftertaste without foreign tastes and the best taste characteristics. Using the “A-not A” method, we found that the sample with the addition of CDP is identical to the sucrose solution. In the second part of the study, polysaccharides were added to model samples of acids with complex sweeteners; the best sensory characteristics were obtained by model samples consisting of a mixture of low-esterified Apple pectin with lactic acid and KDP. The technology of obtaining a stable elastic jelly using low-esterified Apple pectin has been developed, since the complex mixture of sweeteners and food acids does not have a dehydrating effect. Developed a dry mix recipe that can serve as a basic development, low-calorie sweet products for catering and has a variance of use of lactic and succinic acids, depending on the flavor characteristics of the raw materials used and its corrective ability.

The role of psychosocial factors and treatment need in dental service use and oral health among adults in Norway.

This study aimed to explore whether population characteristics were associated with the use of dental services, individual's personal oral health practices, dental caries and oral health-related impacts using the revised Andersen's behavioural model as the theoretical framework. This cross-sectional study included participants from a Norwegian general population (N=1840; 20-79years) included in the Tromstannen-Oral Health in Northern Norway (TOHNN) study. The variables included in the model were social structure (income, education, urbanization), sense of coherence (SOC), enabling resources (difficulties accessing the dentist, declined treatment, dental anxiety), treatment need, use of dental services, toothbrushing frequency, sugary soda drink consumption, decayed teeth and oral health-related impacts (OHIP-14). Structural equation modelling was used to test the direct and indirect effects within Andersen's behavioural model of access and health outcomes. Andersen's behavioural model fit the data well and explained a large part of the variance in use of dental services (58%), oral health-related impacts (48%) and, to a lesser extent, decayed teeth (12%). More social structures and a stronger SOC was associated with more enabling resources, which in turn, was associated with more use of dental services. Social structures were not directly associated with use of dental services or decayed teeth but were predictive of oral health-related impacts. A stronger SOC was associated with more frequent toothbrushing, less soda drink consumptions, fewer decayed teeth and less oral health-related impacts. Self-perceived need did not predict dental attendance but was associated with decayed teeth. A less frequent use of dental services, less frequent toothbrushing and more frequent sugary soda drink consumption were associated with more decayed teeth. Decayed teeth were not associated with oral health-related impacts. The findings suggests that, in addition to focusing on reducing socioeconomic inequalities in relation to oral health in the Norwegian population, it is also important to consider how people perceive their own resources (eg financial, psychological, social) as well as their access to dental care in order to support regular dental attendance and potentially, in turn, enhance oral health.

Internet use during coronavirus disease of 2019 pandemic: Psychiatric history and sociodemographics as predictors.

Coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and related containment measures have grossly affected the daily living and created a need for alternative ways of social communication and entertainment. The aim of this study was to explore the use of various Internet contents depending on sociodemographics and on psychiatric history of participants. This cross-sectional, population-based study is a part of a wider international multicenter study. A total of 1275 participants across Serbia (71.1% of females; average age = 41.81 ± 12.52 years) were recruited using two-level chain-referral sampling method. The participants filled in an anonymous online questionnaire that included questions on sociodemographic data, psychiatric history, and various aspects of increased Internet use since the pandemic. The data were analyzed using a series of multiple logistic regressions. About two-thirds of the sample reported using Internet more during the pandemic. All of the tested regression models, apart from models predicting browsing religion and travel/tourism, were significant, explaining from about 2% (for the contents specific for COVID-19) up to 34.4% (for the sexual content) of variance of use. Reporting a previously diagnosed psychiatric disorder was a significant predictor of greater Instagram use and browsing sexual and sport-related content since the pandemic. To the best of our knowledge, the study is the first to report on the relationship between Internet using and mental health, during COVID-19 pandemic, in the Balkan region. The findings showed various patterns of the increased use of Internet contents since the pandemic referring to both potentially positive and negative Internet influences.

Preferences for peer-reviewed versus other publication sources: a survey of general dentists in the National Dental PBRN

BackgroundMedical professionals have access to a broad range of resources to address clinical information needs. While much attention is given to new sources of data such as those available on the internet, it is less clear how clinicians choose between peer-reviewed research literature and other publication-based sources. This analysis distinguishes between possible drivers of publication type preference (namely, practice setting, advanced training, professional development experiences). Dentists enrolled in the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network (PBRN) are the population for this study. Theories of human and intellectual capital and institutional logics theory are used to understand how advanced training and other clinical experiences may explain the choices that dentists make when faced with clinical questions.MethodsAn online questionnaire was implemented with general dentists in the US National Dental PBRN. A series of logistic and Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression models were used to explain the use of peer-reviewed and other publications. Measures of knowledge-based human capital distinctions (advanced clinical training and research engagement, advanced professional status, personal motivation for professional advancement) were used to explain preferences for research literature as a clinical resource.ResultsGeneral dentists with advanced training, as well as those with a skill advancement motivation, show a preference for peer-reviewed materials. General dentists who have been practicing longer tend to favor other dental publications, preferring those sources as a resource when faced with clinical challenges. Human capital and professional motivation distinguish the information preferences among general dentists. Further, these factors explain more variance in use of peer-reviewed materials than practice setting does. Few differences by demographic groups were evident.ConclusionsResults point to a distinct variation in the general dentistry professional community. Advanced training among general dentists, as well as the types of procedures typically conducted in their practice, distinguishes their information preferences from other general dentists, including those with more years of clinical experience.

Associations between general practice characteristics with use of urgent referrals for suspected cancer and endoscopies: a cross-sectional ecological study

BackgroundLarge variation in measures of diagnostic activity has been described previously between English general practices, but related predictors remain understudied.ObjectiveTo examine associations between general practice population and characteristics, with the use of urgent referrals for suspected cancer, and use of endoscopy.MethodsCross-sectional observational study of English general practices. We examined practice-level use (/1000 patients/year) of urgent referrals for suspected cancer, gastroscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy. We used mixed-effects Poisson regression to examine associations with the sociodemographic profile of practice populations and other practice attributes, including the average age, sex and country of qualification of practice doctors.ResultsThe sociodemographic characteristics of registered patients explained much of the between-practice variance in use of urgent referrals (32%) and endoscopic investigations (18–25%), all being higher in practices with older and more socioeconomically deprived patients. Practice-level attributes explained a substantial amount of between-practice variance in urgent referral (19%) but little of the variance in endoscopy (3%-4%). Adjusted urgent referral rates were higher in training practices and those with younger GPs. Practices with mean doctor ages of 41 and 57 years (at the 10th/90th centiles of the national distribution) would have urgent referral rates of 24.1 and 19.1/1000 registered patients, P < 0.001.ConclusionMost between-practice variation in use of urgent referrals and endoscopies seems to reflect health need. Some practice characteristics, such as the mean age of GPs, are associated with appreciable variation in use of urgent referrals, though these associations do not seem strong enough to justify targeted interventions.

The Influence of the Social, Cognitive, and Instructional Dimensions on Technology Acceptance Decisions among College-Level Students

Technology acceptance models are primarily focused on the cognitive dimension of user beliefs. However, researchers have identified a range of situational and contextual factors that influence user attitudes and behavioral intention towards a given technology. We advance a situated model of e-learning acceptance among college students combining factors from the community of inquiry (COI) framework and the technology acceptance model (TAM), specifying core relationships within, and theoretically informed path relationships between the two frameworks. Using a sample of 121 respondents, we test a structural model using generalized structured component analysis. Collectively the situated model helped explain 63.7% variance in Behavioral Intention and 25% of the variance in Use suggesting that our model has strong explanatory power. Policymakers can leverage this information to boost acceptance of e-learning and platforms among their academic communities by promoting e-learning environments with strong Teacher, Social, and Cognitive Presence.

Electronic records management research in ESARBICA: a bibliometric study

PurposeThis study aims to find out how the e-records management subject has been researched and tackled by researchers in the Eastern and Southern African Regional Branch of the International Council on Archives (ESARBICA).Design/methodology/approachThis research paper applied a bibliometric survey, where a quantitative survey of the literature pertaining to the study of e-records management in the ESARBICA region, covering the period from 2000 to 2016, was conducted applying bibliometric methods. The survey aimed at providing descriptive data that cast a spotlight on the features and development of the e-records management base literature in the ESARBICA region.FindingsThe research data display a lamentable outlook in the contribution to the electronic records management body of knowledge from the ESARBICA region. Few research articles from professionals in the records and archives management are being published. These figures call for increased investments in electronic records management research by institutions in ESARBICA, as management of electronic content has become the centre of political and socio-economic development. Follow-up studies need to be done to counter limitations placed on this research paper. The findings show that there is under production of research publications in the ESARBICA region. The region only contributed 2 per cent of the total world output in the period under review and in the study of electronic records management from journals indexed by Scopus.Research limitations/implicationsA bibliometric study places researchers at the mercy of analysing incomplete information due to limitations of resources. The variance in use of terminology (key words) by authors in published research articles may entail some being left out in an analysis of articles the same subject matter. As much as due diligence was placed on using Boolean search methods to counter such limitations they are unavoidable. An interpretation of bibliometric or citation analysis research is subjective as some analysts may label results incomplete or unreliable; hence, this paper finds itself in the same predicament. Inability to access the Thompson Reuters Web of Science database left the authors with Scopus as the only option, as Google Scholar was overlooked due to difficulties of having to rely on third-party software for analysing its indexed content that are mostly inaccurate and or ambiguous.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study help uncover areas in e-records management, which have been researched over the years, and identify the prominent e-records management researchers in the ESARBICA region.Originality/valueA number of bibliometric studies have been conducted; however, none has been conducted to establish e-records management research trends in the ESRABICA region.

Periodontitis and quality of life: What is the role of socioeconomic status, sense of coherence, dental service use and oral health practices? An exploratory theory-guided analysis on a Norwegian population.

To utilise Andersen's behavioural model for health services' use as the theoretical framework to examine direct and indirect relationships between population characteristics, oral health behaviours and periodontitis and oral health impacts. The model was tested in a general adult population (n=1,886) in Norway, using structural equation modelling. Socioeconomic status, sense of coherence (SOC), dental anxiety, perceived treatment need, oral health behaviours and oral health impact profile (OHIP-14) were collected through questionnaire. Periodontal examinations consisted of full-mouth recordings. Andersen's model explained a large part of the variance in use of dental services (58%) and oral health-related impacts (55%), and to a less extent periodontitis (19%). More social structure and stronger SOC was related to more enabling resources, which in turn was associated with more use of dental services. More use of dental services was related to more periodontitis and more periodontitis was associated with increased oral health impacts. A stronger SOC was associated with less oral impacts. There was no association between use of dental services and oral health impacts. The result demonstrated complex relationships between population characteristics, oral health-related behaviours and oral health outcomes. Socioeconomic factors and smoking were main predictors of periodontitis. Regular dental visiting habits did not, however, reduce the likelihood of periodontitis.

Identifying a typology of men who use anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS)

BackgroundDespite recognition that the Anabolic Androgenic Steroid (AAS) using population is diverse, empirical studies to develop theories to conceptualise this variance in use have been limited. MethodsIn this study, using cluster analysis and multinomial logistic regression, we identify typologies of people who use AAS and examine variations in motivations for AAS use across types in a sample of 611 men who use AAS. ResultsThe cluster analysis identified four groups in the data with different risk profiles. These groups largely reflect the ideal types of people who use AAS proposed by Christiansen et al. (2016): Cluster 1 (You Only Live Once (YOLO) type, n = 68, 11.1%) were younger and motivated by fat loss; Cluster 2 (Well-being type, n = 236, 38.6%) were concerned with getting fit; Cluster 3 (Athlete type, n = 155, 25.4%) were motivated by muscle and strength gains; Cluster 4 (Expert type, n = 152, 24.9%) were focused on specific goals (i.e. not ‘getting fit’). ConclusionThe results of this study demonstrate the need to make information about AAS accessible to the general population and to inform health service providers about variations in motivations and associated risk behaviours. Attention should also be given to ensuring existing harm minimisation services are equipped to disseminate information about safe intra-muscular injecting and ensuring needle disposal sites are accessible to the different types.

A longitudinal study of vocabulary size and composition in low risk preterm children

The vocabulary size and composition of one group of full-term and three groups of low risk preterm children with different gestational ages (GA) were longitudinally compared at 10, 22 and 30 months of age. Expressive vocabulary development was assessed through the CDI. Cognitive development was also assessed at 22 months (Batelle Developmental Inventory), and data concerning biological and environmental characteristics of the children were also obtained. Growth curve analyses indicated that there were no significant differences in vocabulary size or percentage of word categories among GA groups. Regression analyses showed that word production and cognitive scores measured at 22 months were the main predictors of total vocabulary and word categories at 30 months. Gender, maternal education and GA did not contribute in a significant way to the variance of use of the vocabulary categories or vocabulary size. Therefore, GA does not seem to affect vocabulary development and composition when biomedical complications associated to prematurity are excluded.

Electronic Health Record Portal Adoption: a cross country analysis

BackgroundThis study’s goal is to understand the factors that drive individuals to adopt Electronic Health Record (EHR) portals and to estimate if there are differences between countries with different healthcare models.MethodsWe applied a new adoption model using as a starting point the extended Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) by incorporating the Concern for Information Privacy (CFIP) framework. To evaluate the research model we used the partial least squares (PLS) – structural equation modelling (SEM) approach. An online questionnaire was administrated in the United States (US) and Europe (Portugal). We collected 597 valid responses.ResultsThe statistically significant factors of behavioural intention are performance expectancy ( widehat{beta} total = 0.285; P < 0.01), effort expectancy ( widehat{beta} total = 0.160; P < 0.01), social influence ( widehat{beta} total = 0.198; P < 0.01), hedonic motivation ( widehat{beta} total = −0.141; P < 0.01), price value ( widehat{beta} total = 0.152; P < 0.01), and habit ( widehat{beta} total = 0.255; P < 0.01). The predictors of use behaviour are habit ( widehat{beta} total = 0.145; P < 0.01), and behavioural intention ( widehat{beta} total = 0.480; P < 0.01). Social influence, hedonic motivation, and price value are only predictors in the US group. The model explained 53% of the variance in behavioural intention and 36% of the variance in use behaviour.ConclusionsOur study identified critical factors for the adoption of EHR portals and significant differences between the countries. Confidentiality issues do not seem to influence acceptance. The EHR portals usage patterns are significantly higher in US compared to Portugal.