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Sociodemographic Variables (sociodemographic + variable)
Selected AbstractsHealth-related Quality of Life of People with Epilepsy Compared with a General Reference Population: A Tunisian StudyEPILEPSIA, Issue 7 2004Hela Mrabet Summary:,Purpose: The goal of the study was to assess the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of persons with epilepsy (PWE) by using the short form survey 36 (SF-36), to compare it with that of a control group and to detect factors influencing it. Methods: We collected clinical and demographic data and information on health status by using the Arabic translation of the SF-36 questionnaire from two groups: (a) 120 PWE consulting our outpatient clinic during a period of 4 months, and (b) 110 Tunisian citizens, representative of the Tunisian general population, as a control group. Results: The mean age of PWE group was 32.74 years, and 45.5% were men. Idiopathic generalized epilepsies were observed in 44.5% of cases, and symptomatic partial epilepsies, in 30%. The most commonly prescribed drug was sodium valproate (VPA). For the SF-36, PWE had lower scores than the control group for only three subscales: general health perception, mental health, and social functioning. Seizure frequency, time since last seizure, and the antiepileptic drug (AED) side effects were the most important variables influencing the HRQOL among PWE. Seizure-free adults have HRQOL levels comparable to those of the control group. Sociodemographic variables had no influence on the SF-36 subscales. Conclusions: HRQOL is impaired in Tunisian PWE. The influencing factors identified in this study differ from the previously published data. Several possible reasons such as family support and cultural and religious beliefs are proposed to explain these cross-cultural differences. A larger study should be conducted to verify such findings. [source] Anxiety disorders and risk for suicide attempts: findings from the Baltimore Epidemiologic Catchment area follow-up study,DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY, Issue 6 2008James M. Bolton M.D. Abstract Our objective was to determine whether the presence of an anxiety disorder was a risk factor for future suicide attempts. Data were drawn from the 13-year follow-up Baltimore Epidemiological Catchment Area survey (n=1,920). Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association between baseline anxiety disorders (social phobia, simple phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic attacks, or agoraphobia) and subsequent onset suicide attempts. The presence of one or more anxiety disorders at baseline was significantly associated with subsequent onset suicide attempts (adjusted odds ratio 2.20, 95% confidence interval 1.04,4.64) after controlling for sociodemographic variables and all baseline mental disorders assessed in the survey. These findings suggest that anxiety disorders are independent risk factors for suicide attempts, and underscore the importance of anxiety disorders as a serious public health problem. Depression and Anxiety 0:1,5, 2007. Published 2007 Wiley-Liss. [source] Clinical and sociodemographic variables associated with the onset of posttraumatic stress disorder in road traffic accidentsDEPRESSION AND ANXIETY, Issue 5 2008Ramón Coronas M.D. Abstract Our objective was to identify variables related to the onset of acute posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after a road traffic accident. We evaluated 60 victims of a motor vehicle accident (MVA) in 2004 at 2 months postaccident. Thirty of them had developed PTSD; the other 30 had not developed PTSD. Clinical data, physical injuries, and sociodemographic characteristics were determined in 60 victims. The Davidson Trauma Scale (DTS) and a Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID) were used to evaluate PTSD occurrence. PTSD scores assessed by DTS and SCID at 2 months were significantly and positively associated with female sex, severe physical injuries, perceived social deprivation, and loss of job activity due to the accident. Female sex, severe physical injury, perceived social deprivation, and sick leave were related to the diagnosis of PTSD 2 months after the accident. Depression and Anxiety 0:1,8, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Illicit substance use and its correlates in first episode psychosisACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 5 2010R. Mazzoncini Mazzoncini R, Donoghue K, Hart J, Morgan C, Doody GA, Dazzan P, Jones PB, Morgan K, Murray RM, Fearon P. Illicit substance use and its correlates in first episode psychosis. Objective:, To determine if substance use (particularly cannabis) is more frequent among first episode psychosis patients and associated with a more problematic clinical presentation. Method:, All first episode psychosis (FEP) patients presenting to secondary services were recruited from London and Nottingham, over 2 years, in the Aetiology and Ethnicity of Schizophrenia and Other Psychoses study broad framework. Clinical and sociodemographic variables were assessed using a set of standardized instruments. A schedule was created to retrospectively collate substance use data from patients, relatives and clinicians. Results:, Five hundred and eleven FEP were identified. They used three to five times more substances than general population. Substance use was associated with poorer social adjustment and a more acute mode of onset. Cannabis use did not affect social adjustment, but was associated with a more acute mode of onset. Conclusion:, Cannabis has a different impact on FEP than other substances. Large epidemiological studies are needed to disentangle cannabis effect. [source] Detention of the mentally ill in Europe , a reviewACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 1 2002Martin Zinkler Objective:,The frequency of compulsory admission varies widely across Europe. Although there has been some research on a nation-wide level, no work has been done to compare mental health legislation in different countries in relation to detention rates and to patients' perception of hospital detention. Method:,Databases and government statistics were searched for regional, national and European data. Legal frameworks were compared and reviewed in relation to patients' and professionals' views. Results:,Nearly 20-fold variations in detention rates were found in different parts of Europe. Criteria for detention of the mentally ill are broadly similar when it comes to patients at risk to themselves or others. However different rules apply for involuntary treatment in the interest of the patient's health. Conclusion:,Variations in detention rates across Europe appear to be influenced by professionals' ethics and attitudes, sociodemographic variables, the public's preoccupation about risk arising from mental illness and the respective legal framework. [source] Patient-assessed health outcome measures for diabetes: a structured reviewDIABETIC MEDICINE, Issue 1 2002A. M. Garratt Abstract Aims To identify available disease-specific measures of health-related quality of life (HRQL) for diabetes and to review evidence for the reliability, validity and responsiveness of instruments. Methods Systematic searches were used to identify instruments. Instruments were assessed against predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Letters were sent to authors requesting details of further instrument evaluation. Information relating to instrument content, patients, reliability, validity and responsiveness to change was extracted from published papers. Results The search produced 252 references. Nine instruments met the inclusion criteria: Appraisal of Diabetes Scale (ADS), Audit of Diabetes-Dependent Quality of Life (ADDQoL), Diabetes Health Profile (DHP-1, DHP-18), Diabetes Impact Measurement Scales (DIMS), Diabetes Quality of Life Measure (DQOL), Diabetes-Specific Quality of Life Scale (DSQOLS), Questionnaire on Stress in Diabetic Patients-Revised (QSD-R), Diabetes-39 (D-39) and Well-being Enquiry for Diabetics (WED). The shortest instrument (ADS) has seven items and the longest (WED) has 50 items. The ADS and ADDQoL are single-index measures. The seven multidimensional instruments have dimensions covering psychological well-being and social functioning but vary in the remainder of their content. The DHP-1 and DSQOLS are specific to Type 1 diabetes patients. The DHP-18 is specific to Type 2 diabetes patients. The DIMS and DQOL have weaker evidence for reliability and internal construct validity. Patients contributed to the content of the ADDQoL, DHP-1/18, DQOL, DSQOLS, D-39, QSD-R and WED. The authors of the ADDQoL, DHP-1/18, DQOL, DSQOLS gave explicit consideration to content validity. The construct validity of instruments was assessed through comparisons with instruments measuring related constructs and clinical and sociodemographic variables. None of the instruments has been formally assessed for responsiveness to changes in health. Conclusions Five of the diabetes-specific instruments have good evidence for reliability and internal and external construct validity: the ADDQoL, DHP-1/18, DSQOLS, D-39 and QSD-R. Instrument content should be assessed for relevance before application. The instruments should be evaluated concurrently for validity and responsiveness to important changes in health. [source] Health Status among Emergency Department Patients Approximately One Year after Consecutive Disasters in New York CityACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 10 2005William George Fernandez MD Abstract Objectives: Emergency department (ED) patients with disaster-related experiences may present with vague symptoms not clearly linked to the event. In 2001, two disasters in New York City, the World Trade Center disaster (WTCD) and the subsequent American Airlines Flight 587 crash, presented an opportunity to study long-term consequences of cumulative disaster exposure (CDE) on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among ED patients. Methods: From July 15 to October 30, 2002, a systematic sample of stable, adult patients from two EDs in New York City were enrolled. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire. The Short Form 36 (SF-36) was used to assess overall health status. Bivariate analyses were conducted to identify individual correlates of worsening health status. Multivariate regression was performed to identify the association between various factors and overall health status, while controlling for relevant sociodemographic variables. Results: Four hundred seventy-one patients (54.6% female) participated. The participation rate was 73.4%. One hundred sixty-one participants (36%) reported direct, indirect, or occupational exposure to the WTCD; 55 (13.3%) had direct, indirect, or occupational exposure to the plane crash; 33 (8.1%) had both exposures. In separate multivariate models, CDE predicted lower SF-36 scores for general health (p < 0.0096), mental health (p < 0.0033), and bodily pain (p < 0.0046). Conclusions: In the year following mass traumatic events, persons with CDE had lower overall health status than those with one or no disaster exposure. Clinicians should consider the impact that traumatic events have on the overall health status of ED patients in the wake of consecutive disasters. [source] AIDS care in Nigeria: Are nurses comfortable performing procedures?INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NURSING PRACTICE, Issue 1 2008Adetoyeje Y Oyeyemi PT DHSc GCS Nurses' feeling of comfort during care is important to stay on the job and for their choice of specialty of care. This study aimed to assess nurses' level of comfort in providing care to patients living with AIDS and to determine the sociodemographic variables that influence nurses' comfort. Nurses in four hospitals in Nigeria (n = 277) were surveyed using a questionnaire that elicited information on their demographic characteristics, previous AIDS encounter, and their comfort taking vital signs, casually handling, administering enema and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, and in recommending exercise and physical therapy to patients living with AIDS. Nigerian nurses were uncomfortable with resuscitation and also showed discomfort not wearing gloves while handling these patients. Being single and male gender influenced nurses' comfort with vital signs and enema administration. Special orientation to include analysis of common tasks and procedures for new nurses assigned to AIDS units is suggested. [source] Stroke education: discrepancies among factors influencing prehospital delay and stroke knowledgeINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF STROKE, Issue 3 2010Yvonne Teuschl Background Time is essential for the treatment of acute stroke. Much time is lost outside the hospital, either due to failure in identifying stroke symptoms or due to a delay in notification or transport. We review studies reporting factors associated with better stroke knowledge and shorter time delays. We summarise the evidences for the effect of stroke knowledge and education on people's reaction in the acute situation of stroke. Methods We searched MEDLINE for studies reporting factors associated with prehospital time of stroke patients, or knowledge of stroke symptoms. Further, we searched for studies reporting educational interventions aimed at increasing stroke symptom knowledge in the population. Findings We included a total of 182 studies. Surprisingly, those factors associated with better stroke knowledge such as education and sociodemographic variables were not related to shorter time delays. Few studies report shorter time delays or better stroke knowledge in persons having suffered a previous stroke. Factors associated with shorter time delays were more severe stroke and symptoms regarded as serious, but not better knowledge about the most frequent symptoms such as hemiparesis or disorders of speech. Only 25,56% of patients recognised their own symptoms as stroke. While stroke education increases the knowledge of warning signs, a few population studies measured the impact of education on time delays; in such studies, time delays decreased after education. This may partly be mediated by better organisation of EMS and hospitals. Interpretation There is a discrepancy between theoretical stroke knowledge and the reaction in an acute situation. Help-seeking behaviour is more dependent on the perceived severity of symptoms than on symptom knowledge. Bystanders play an important role in the decision to call for help and should be included in stroke education. Education is effective and should be culturally adapted and presented in a social context. It is unclear which educational concept is best suited to enhance symptom recognition in the acute situation of stroke, especially in view of discrepancies between knowledge and action. [source] Association Between Cognitive Function and Social Support with Glycemic Control in Adults with Diabetes MellitusJOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 10 2009Toru Okura MD OBJECTIVES: To examine whether cognitive impairment in adults with diabetes mellitus is associated with worse glycemic control and to assess whether level of social support for diabetes mellitus care modifies this relationship. DESIGN: Cross-sectional analysis. SETTING: The 2003 Health and Retirement Study (HRS) Mail Survey on Diabetes and the 2004 wave of the HRS. PARTICIPANTS: Adults aged 50 and older with diabetes mellitus in the United States (N=1,097, mean age 69.2). MEASUREMENTS: Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level; cognitive function, measured with the 35-point HRS cognitive scale (HRS-cog); sociodemographic variables; duration of diabetes mellitus; depressed mood; social support for diabetes mellitus care; self-reported knowledge of diabetes mellitus; treatments for diabetes mellitus; components of the Total Illness Burden Index related to diabetes mellitus; and functional limitations. RESULTS: In an ordered logistic regression model for the three ordinal levels of HbA1c (<7.0, 7.0,7.9, ,8.0 mg/dL), respondents with HRS-cog scores in the lowest quartile had significantly higher HbA1c levels than those in the highest cognitive quartile (adjusted odds ratio=1.80, 95% confidence interval=1.11,2.92). A high level of social support for diabetes mellitus care modified this association; for respondents in the lowest cognitive quartile, those with high levels of support had significantly lower odds of having higher HbA1c than those with low levels of support (1.11 vs 2.87, P=.02). CONCLUSION: Although cognitive impairment was associated with worse glycemic control, higher levels of social support for diabetes mellitus care ameliorated this negative relationship. Identifying the level of social support available to cognitively impaired adults with diabetes mellitus may help to target interventions for better glycemic control. [source] Early Markers of Prolonged Hospital Stays in Older People: A Prospective, Multicenter Study of 908 Inpatients in French Acute HospitalsJOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 7 2006Pierre-Olivier Lang MD OBJECTIVES: To identify early markers of prolonged hospital stays in older people in acute hospitals. DESIGN: A prospective, multicenter study. SETTING: Nine hospitals in France. PARTICIPANTS: One thousand three hundred six patients aged 75 and older were hospitalized through an emergency department (Sujet Âgé Fragile: Évaluation et suivi (SAFEs) ,Frail Elderly Subjects: Evaluation and follow-up). MEASUREMENTS: Data used in a logistic regression were obtained through a gerontological evaluation of inpatients, conducted in the first week of hospitalization. The center effect was considered in two models as a random and fixed effect. Two limits were used to define a prolonged hospital stay. The first was fixed at 30 days. The second was adjusted for Diagnosis Related Groups according to the French classification (f-DRG). RESULTS: Nine hundred eight of the 1,306 hospital stays that made up the cohort were analyzed. Two centers (n=298) were excluded because of a large volume of missing f-DRGs. Two-thirds of subjects in the cohort analyzed were women (64%), with a mean age of 84. One hundred thirty-eight stays (15%) lasted more than 30 days; 46 (5%) were prolonged beyond the f-DRG-adjusted limit. No sociodemographic variables seemed to influence the length of stay, regardless of the limit used. For the 30-day limit, only cognitive impairment (odds ratio (OR)=2.2, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.2,4.0) was identified as a marker for prolongation. f-DRG adjustment revealed other clinical markers. Walking difficulties (OR=2.6, 95% CI=1.2,16.7), fall risk (OR=2.5, 95% CI=1.7,5.3), cognitive impairment (OR=7.1, 95% CI=2.3,49.9), and malnutrition risk (OR=2.5, 95% CI=1.7,19.6) were found to be early markers for prolonged stays, although dependence level and its evolution, estimated using the Katz activity of daily living (ADL) index, were not identified as risk factors. CONCLUSION: When the generally recognized parameters of frailty are taken into account, a set of simple items (walking difficulties, risk of fall, risk of malnutrition, and cognitive impairment) enables a predictive approach to the length of stay of elderly patients hospitalized under emergency circumstances. Katz ADLs were not among the early markers identified. [source] Weight Change and Lower Body Disability in Older Mexican AmericansJOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 10 2005Soham Al Snih MD Objectives: To examine the association between 2-year weight change and onset of lower body disability over time in older Mexican Americans. Design: Data were from the Hispanic Established Population for the Epidemiological Study of the Elderly (1993,2001). Weight change was examined by comparing baseline weight to weight at 2-year follow-up. Incidence of lower body disability was studied from the end of this period through an additional 5 years. Setting: Five southwestern states: Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, and California. Participants: One thousand seven hundred thirty-seven noninstitutionalized Mexican-American men and women aged 65 and older who reported no limitation in activities of daily living (ADLs) and were able to perform the walk test at 2-year follow-up. Measurements: In-home interviews assessed sociodemographic factors, self-reported physician diagnoses of medical conditions (arthritis, diabetes mellitus, heart attack, stroke, hip fracture, and cancer), self-reported ADLs, depressive symptoms, and number of hospitalizations. Cognitive function, handgrip muscle strength, and body mass index (BMI) were obtained. The outcomes were any limitation of lower body ADL (walking across a small room, bathing, transferring from a bed to a chair, and using the toilet) and limitation on the walk test over subsequent 5-year follow-up period. General Estimation Equation (GEE) was used to estimate lower body disability over time. Results: Weight change of 5% or more occurred in 42.3% of the participants; 21.7% lost weight, 20.6% gained weight, and 57.7% had stable weight. Using GEE analysis, with stable weight as the reference, weight loss of 5% or more was associated with greater risk of any lower body ADL limitation (odds ratio (OR)=1.43, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.06,1.95) and walking limitation (OR=1.35, 95% CI=1.03,1.76) after controlling for sociodemographic variables and BMI at baseline. Weight gain of 5% or more was associated with greater risk of any lower body ADL limitation (OR=1.39, 95% CI=1.02,1.89), after controlling for sociodemographic variables and BMI at baseline. When medical conditions, handgrip muscle strength, high depressive symptomatology, cognitive function, and hospitalization were added to the equation, the relationship between 2-year weight change (>5% loss or >5% gain) and lower body disability decreased. Conclusion: Health conditions and muscle strength partially mediate the association between weight loss or gain and future loss of ability to walk and independently perform ADLs. [source] Simplifying Detection of Cognitive Impairment: Comparison of the Mini-Cog and Mini-Mental State Examination in a Multiethnic SampleJOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 5 2005Soo Borson MD Objectives: To compare detection of cognitive impairment using the Mini-Cog and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and to identify sociodemographic variables that influence detection in an ethnoculturally diverse sample. Design: Cross-sectional. Setting: A registry of the University of Washington Alzheimer's Disease Research Center Satellite. Participants: A heterogeneous community sample (n=371) of predominantly ethnic minority elderly assessed using a standardized research protocol, 231 of whom met criteria for dementia or mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Measurements: Demographic data, a standardized research protocol for cognitive assessment and dementia diagnosis, MMSE, and Mini-Cog. Results: Both screens effectively detected cognitive impairment, the Mini-Cog slightly better than the MMSE (P<.01). Overall accuracy of classification was 83% for the Mini-Cog and 81% for the MMSE. The Mini-Cog was superior in recognizing patients with Alzheimer-type dementias (P=.05). Low education negatively affected detection using the MMSE (P<.001), whereas education did not affect the Mini-Cog, and low literacy minimally affected it. Conclusion: The Mini-Cog detects clinically significant cognitive impairment as well as or better than the MMSE in multiethnic elderly individuals, is easier to administer to non-English speakers, and is less biased by low education and literacy. [source] Who Are the Uninsured Elderly in the United States?JOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 4 2004James W. Mold MD Because of the Medicare program, a common assumption is made that virtually all older Americans have health insurance coverage. Data from the 2000 National Health Interview Survey were analyzed to estimate the number of people aged 65 and older without health insurance; their stated reasons for being uninsured; and the associations between lack of insurance and sociodemographic variables, health status, and access to and use of healthcare services. In 2000, there were approximately 350,000 older Americans with no health insurance. Those without insurance were more likely to be younger, Hispanic, nonwhite, unmarried (widowed, divorced, or never married), poor, and foreign-born. They were less likely to hold U.S. citizenship. Despite relatively high rates of chronic medical conditions, they were unlikely to receive outpatient or home healthcare services. The most common reason given for lack of insurance was its cost. This study reveals important gaps in the availability of health insurance for the elderly, gaps that are likely to affect an increasing number of older Americans in the coming decade. [source] Handgrip Strength and Mortality in Older Mexican AmericansJOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 7 2002Soham Al Snih MD OBJECTIVES: To examine the association between handgrip strength and mortality in older Mexican American men and women. DESIGN: A 5-year prospective cohort study. SETTING: Five southwestern states: Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, and California. PARTICIPANTS: A population-based sample of 2,488 noninstitutionalized Mexican-American men and women aged 65 and older. MEASUREMENTS: Maximal handgrip strength, timed walk, and body mass index were assessed at baseline during 1993/94. Self-reports of functional disability, various medical conditions, and status at follow-up were obtained. RESULTS: Of the baseline sample with complete data, 507 persons were confirmed deceased 5 years later. Average handgrip strength ± standard deviation was significantly higher in men (28.4 kg ± 9.5) than in women (18.2 kg ± 6.5). Of men who had a handgrip strength less than 22.01 kg and women who had a handgrip strength less than 14 kg, 38.2% and 41.5%, respectively, were dead 5 years later. In men in the lowest handgrip strength quartile, the hazard ratio of death was 2.10 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.31,3.38) compared with those in the highest handgrip strength quartile, after controlling for sociodemographic variables, functional disability, timed walk, medical conditions, body mass index, and smoking status at baseline. In women in the lowest handgrip strength quartile, the hazard ratio of death was 1.76 (95% CI = 1.05,2.93) compared with those in the highest handgrip strength quartile. Poorer performance in the timed walk and the presence of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and cancer were also significant predictors of mortality 5 years later. CONCLUSION: Handgrip strength is a strong predictor of mortality in older Mexican Americans, after controlling for relevant risk factors. [source] Relationship between betel quid additives and established periodontitis among Bangladeshi subjectsJOURNAL OF CLINICAL PERIODONTOLOGY, Issue 1 2008Rahena Akhter Abstract Aim: To determine the relationship between betel quid chewing additives and established periodontitis in Bangladeshi subjects. Material and Methods: A total of 864 subjects participated in this study. Among them, 140 pairs of sex- and age-matched case subjects and control subjects were selected. A case was defined as a person who had at least two sites with a clinical attachment level (CAL)6 mm and at least one site with probing depth (PD)5 mm. Subjects who did not fulfill these criteria were considered as controls. Information on sociodemographic variables, psychological stress, dental health behaviour, smoking and betel quid chewing habits was obtained. Results: Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that current betel quid chewers had greater probabilities of having established periodontal disease than did non-chewers (odds ratio=3.97, p<0.05). Mean PD, mean CAL, mean percentage of bleeding on probing and number of missing teeth were significantly higher in chewers of betel quid with tobacco and masala than in chewers of betel quid without such additives adjusting for age, sex, smoking habit, body mass index, dental visit pattern, stress and plaque index. Higher frequency and longer duration of betel quid chewing showed a significant relation to an increase in periodontal parameters. Conclusion: The results indicate that betel quid additives might significantly enhance periodontitis in the population studied. [source] How long does victimization foster fear of crime?JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY, Issue 8 2010A longitudinal study We studied the relationship between victimization and fear of crime longitudinally, analyzing data from the Observatory of the North-West (Italian national sample, N=1,701, two waves: January 2006 and January 2007). We modeled fear of crime at T2 using as independent variables: (a) the main sociodemographic variables and fear of crime, as assessed at T1; (b) direct victimization; and (c) indirect victimization. Recent direct victimization was the most effective victimization predictor of both concrete and abstract fears, followed by multiple or repeat direct victimization. On the other hand, direct victimization occurring in the 12 months before the first wave did not influence fear. Recent indirect victimization and, above all, multiple or repeat indirect victimization influenced concrete, but not abstract, fear of crime, while direct victimization occurring in the 12 months before the first wave did not foster fear. We discuss the limits of this work and possible further directions. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source] Associations among socioeconomic status, perceived neighborhood control, perceived individual control, and self-reported health,JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY, Issue 6 2010Spencer Moore Recent research has suggested that perceived control and a person's perceptions of their neighborhood environment may mediate the association between socioeconomic status (SES) and health. This cross-sectional study assessed whether perceptions of informal social control mediated the association between SES and self-reported health, and if these two constructs represented distinct mechanisms linking SES with self-reported health. The sample consisted of 869 adults residing in 300 census tracts in Montreal, Canada. Multilevel methods were used to assess the associations among self-reported health, SES, perceived control, and perceived informal social control adjusting for sociodemographic variables. Perceived control (mediation estimate=,0.16, p<.001) and perceived informal social control (mediation estimate=,0.05, p<.05) partially mediated the association between SES and self-reported health. Perceived control did not mediate the association of perceived informal social control with self-reported health. Perceived informal social control may act alongside but distinct from perceived control as a mechanism linking SES to self-reported health. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source] Types of drinks consumed by infants at 4 and 8 months of age: sociodemographic variationsJOURNAL OF HUMAN NUTRITION & DIETETICS, Issue 2 2000K. North Aim To investigate the variations in sociodemographic characteristics of mothers in relation to the types of milk and supplementary drinks consumed by their infants at 4 and 8 months of age. Study design The carers of a randomly chosen population sample of over 1000 infants from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Pregnancy and Childhood (ALSPAC) were asked to record all foods and drinks consumed by the child in a 24-h period at both 4 and 8 months of age. Self-completion postal questionnaires were used to ascertain sociodemographic characteristics of the mothers and their infants. Methods Significant differences in the types of milks and supplementary drinks consumed within sociodemographic groups were identified. Infants were also grouped according to the types of milks they were receiving at each age and further differences in sociodemographic characteristics were investigated. Results Highly significant differences existed among various sociodemographic characteristics with regard to the types of drinks used at both ages. Maternal educational level was the most influential of the sociodemographic variables in explaining the differences in consumption of all types of drinks given at 4 months, in particular for breast milk use. Maternal age was also significantly associated with breast feeding. The use of fruit drinks was significantly associated with the presence of older siblings in the family and the use of herbal drinks with the duration of breast feeding. At 8 months of age maternal educational level was again the most highly associated of the sociodemographic variables, being significantly associated with the use of most of the drinks. The presence of older siblings also had a significant independent effect as did duration of breast feeding. The feeding of cows' (or animal) milk as a main drink at 8 months, contrary to recommendation, was most likely in the group of mothers with vocational education, those in council accommodation, those with two or more children and those with difficulty affording food. Conclusion We have identified certain characteristics of mothers who were more likely than others not to follow current recommendations on infant feeding. The educational level of mothers appears to be of major significance in the choices made about the types of drinks given to infants. It may be possible to target information about infant feeding to certain groups of mothers thus improving weaning patterns. [source] Nonstandard Work Schedules, Perceived Family Well-Being, and Daily StressorsJOURNAL OF MARRIAGE AND FAMILY, Issue 4 2008Kelly D. Davis Data from two studies assessed the effects of nonstandard work schedules on perceived family well-being and daily stressors. Study 1, using a sample of employed, married adults aged 25 , 74 (n = 1,166) from the National Survey of Midlife in the United States, showed that night work was associated with perceptions of greater marital instability, negative family-work, and work-family spillover than weekend or daytime work. In Study 2, with a subsample of adults (n = 458) who participated in the National Study of Daily Experiences, weekend workers reported more daily work stressors than weekday workers. Several sociodemographic variables were tested as moderators. Both studies demonstrated that nonstandard work schedules place a strain on working, married adults at the global and daily level. [source] Prevalence of hepatitis A antibodies in schoolchildren in Catalonia (Spain) after the introduction of universal hepatitis A immunizationJOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY, Issue 2 2004Àngela Domínguez Abstract The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of hepatitis A antibodies (anti-HAV) in schoolchildren in Catalonia and to compare it with the rates found in previous studies. Sera from a representative sample of 1,342 children aged between 6 and 15 years, recruited in 2001, were tested for anti-HAV. The results were related to sociodemographic variables and vaccination history. The overall prevalence of anti-HAV was 51.4%. The prevalence was 5.5% in non-vaccinated children, similar to that found in a 1996 study, and 96.6% in vaccinated children. The prevalence of anti-HAV in non-vaccinated children increased significantly with age, reaching 11.6% in the 13,15 years age group. The prevalence of anti-HAV was higher in children born outside Catalonia than in those born in Catalonia (16.1% vs. 5.0%, P,=,0.02). The expected continuation in the decline in the prevalence of anti-HAV in non-vaccinated schoolchildren, observed in Catalonia since 1986, was not found in 2001. The rate of anti-HAV in 2001 was slightly higher than in 1996, although the difference was not statistically significant (5.5 and 3.5%, respectively). This could be explained by the increased number of recent immigrant children born outside Catalonia, mainly in countries where hepatitis A is highly endemic. J. Med. Virol. 73:172,176, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] The Hispanic Americans Baseline Alcohol Survey (HABLAS): Predictors of Alcohol Attitudes and Expectancies in Hispanic National GroupsALCOHOLISM, Issue 5 2010Britain A. Mills Background:, Multiple theoretical frameworks identify attitudes and expectancies as important predictors of alcohol behavior. Few studies have examined demographic predictors of these evaluative and belief-based cognitive mediators in the general population, and none have examined them in large-scale studies of Hispanics, a group at higher risk for drinking behavior and problems. This study probes the extent to which dimensions of attitudes and expectancies share common demographic predictors in a large sample of Puerto Ricans, Cuban-Americans, Mexican-Americans, and South/Central Americans. Methods:, The 2006 Hispanic Americans Baseline Alcohol Survey (HABLAS) used a multistage cluster sample design to interview 5,224 individuals randomly selected from households in Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Houston, and Los Angeles. This study focused on 2,773 respondents self-identified as current drinkers. Multiple linear regression was used to identify predictors of positive and negative dimensions of attitudes and expectancies, controlling for various background variables. Results:, Religious affiliation selectively predicted alcohol attitudes, with Catholics having more positive and fewer negative attitudes than other religious groups. Hispanic group selectively predicted alcohol expectancies, with Cuban-Americans having less positive and less negative expectancies than other groups. Being U.S.-born or male predicted more positive attitudes and expectancies, but birthplace and gender did not predict negative dimensions of attitudes or expectancies. Higher acculturation and more education were linked to a decreased tendency to agree with any item. Age was positively and negatively associated with negative expectancies and positive attitudes, respectively, and having never been married, higher income, and unemployment were each linked to fewer negative attitudes. Conclusions:, Although there is some overlap, attitudes and expectancies are influenced by different sociodemographic variables. Positive and negative dimensions of those constructs also show distinct patterns of relations. Prevention and treatment programs targeting cognitive mediators of behavior should be mindful of these differential determinants and future modeling endeavors should incorporate them. [source] The Politicization of Migrants: Further Evidence that Politicized Collective Identity is a Dual IdentityPOLITICAL PSYCHOLOGY, Issue 5 2010Bernd Simon The article examines the role of collective identification processes in the politicization of Russian migrants in Germany. Building on the assumption that politicized collective identity (PCI) is a dual identity, the authors predicted and found that dual identification as both Russian and German was positively related to politicization among members of the Russian minority in Germany. This relationship held up even when the influences of several sociodemographic variables, past political activity, and other forms of collective identification were statistically controlled. In addition, perceived maltreatment of Russian migrants in Germany moderated the relationship between dual identification and politicization in keeping with the theoretical assumption that the development of PCI presupposes high awareness of shared grievances. Finally, dual identification was unrelated to acceptance of political violence, but positively related to self-restriction to peaceful political means. The constructive role of politicization driven by dual identification in social integration is discussed. [source] The association of socioeconomic status and psychosocial and physical workplace factors with musculoskeletal injury in hospital workers,AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 4 2007Marion Gillen RN Abstract Background The combined effect of socioeconomic, organizational, psychosocial, and physical factors on work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) were studied in a heterogeneous, socioeconomically diverse sample (cases and their matched referents) of hospital workers. Methods Cases were defined by a new acute or cumulative work-related musculoskeletal injury; referents were matched by job group, shift length, or at random. Information was obtained through telephone interviews and on-site ergonomics observation. Questionnaire items included sociodemographic variables, lost work time, work effectiveness, health status, pain/disability, and psychosocial working conditions using Effort Reward Imbalance (ERI) and Demand-Control (DC) models. Two multivariate models were tested: Model 1 included occupation as a predictor; Model 2 included education,income as a predictor. Results Cases reported greater pain, disability, lost time, and decreased work effectiveness than the referents. Model 1 was statistically significant for neck/upper extremity injury (Chi-square,=,19.3, P,=,0.01), back/lower extremity injury (Chi-square,=,14.0, P,=,0.05), and all injuries combined (Chi-square,=,25.4, P,=,0.001). "Other Clinical" occupations (34% mental health workers) had the highest risk of injury (OR 4.5: 95%CI, 1.7,12.1) for all injuries. The ERI ratio was a significant predictor for neck and upper extremity (OR 1.5: 95%CI, 1.1,1.9) and all injuries (OR 1.3; 95%CI, 1.04,1.5), per SD change in score. Conclusions In this study, the risk of WRMSDs was more strongly influenced by specific psychosocial and physical job-related exposures than by broad socioeconomic factors such as education and income. Am. J. Ind. Med. 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Correlations between alexithymia and pain severity, depression, and anxiety among patients with chronic and episodic migrainePSYCHIATRY AND CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCES, Issue 3 2010Irem Yalug MD Aims:, Some studies have found elevated alexithymia among patients with chronic pain, but the correlations between alexithymia and the severity of pain, depression, and anxiety among migraine patients are unclear. The aims of the present study were to investigate whether individuals suffering from episodic migraine (EM) differ from those with chronic migraine (CM) in regards to depression, anxiety, and alexithymia measures and to investigate the association of alexithymia with the results of depression and anxiety test inventories and illness characteristics. Methods:, A total of 165 subjects with EM and 135 subjects with CM were studied. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), State,Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS) were administered to all subjects. The correlation between alexithymia and sociodemographic variables, family history of migraine and illness characteristics (pain severity, frequency of episode, duration of illness) were evaluated. Results:, Compared with EM patients, the CM patients had significantly higher scores on measures of depression but not alexithymia and anxiety. There was a positive correlation between TAS scores and age and education in both migraine groups, but there was no correlation between TAS scores and other demographic variables. Depression and anxiety were significantly correlated with alexithymia in both migraine groups. Conclusion:, Our results indicate that CM patients are considerably more depressive than EM patients. In this study, depression and anxiety were significantly correlated with alexithymia in both migraine groups. Our results demonstrate a positive association between depression, anxiety, and alexithymia in migraine patients. [source] Psychometric Assessment of the Brazilian Version of the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy ScalePUBLIC HEALTH NURSING, Issue 6 2009Mônica O. B. Oriá ABSTRACT Objectives: The purpose of this study was to translate and psychometrically assess the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale (BSES) among women living in Fortaleza, CE, Brazil, and examine the relationship between breastfeeding self-efficacy (BSE) and maternal demographic variables. Design and Sample: This methodological study is the first translation of BSES conducted in South America. The psychometric assessment of the original study was replicated. This methodological study enrolled a group (sample of judgment) of 117 pregnant women. Measures: BSES and maternal sociodemographic variables were studied. Results: The Cronbach's , coefficient for the translated BSES was .88. Significant differences in BSES scores were found among mothers with a previous satisfactory breastfeeding experience (M=145.81; SD=±6.82, p=.0001). Significant relationships were found among prenatal BSE and maternal age (r=.228; p=.01), educational level (r=.234; p=.01), and marital status (r=.183; p=.04). No relationship was found among BSE and maternal occupation, family income, or number of pregnancies. Conclusions: Altogether, our findings suggest that BSES translated into Portuguese may be a reliable and valid measure to assess maternal BSE in Brazilian culture. Minor changes may be needed to use it in other Portuguese-speaking countries, such as Portugal and Mozambique. [source] Life Events, Chronic Stressors, and Depressive Symptoms in Low-Income Urban Mothers With Asthmatic ChildrenPUBLIC HEALTH NURSING, Issue 4 2009Joan Kub ABSTRACT Objective: This secondary data analysis study examines the relationship between maternal sociodemographic variables, life events, chronic stressors, including asthma control and management and environmental stressors, and maternal depression. Design: Cross-sectional descriptive design study consisting of baseline data from participants enrolled in a randomized asthma communication educational intervention trial. Sample: 201 mothers of children with asthma (ages 6,12), recruited from community pediatric practices and emergency departments of 2 urban university hospitals. Measurement: Life events were measured using standardized items. Chronic stressors were measured using items from the International Asthma and Allergies in Childhood study and maternal and child exposure to violence. Depressive symptoms were assessed with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression scale. Results: Close to 25% of the mothers had high depressive symptoms. In separate multiple logistic regression models, education (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=2.62; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.07, 6.39) or unemployment (AOR=2.38; 95% CI=1.16, 4.90) and the use of quick relief medications (AOR=2.74; 95% CI=1.33, 5.66) for asthma were positively associated with depressive symptoms. Conclusions: Implications include the need to assess maternal depressive symptoms of mothers of children with asthma, in order to improve asthma management for low-income urban children. [source] Health Risk Behavior of Rural Low-Income Expectant FathersPUBLIC HEALTH NURSING, Issue 4 2006Kevin D. Everett ABSTRACT Objectives: To assess expectant fathers' health risk behaviors and attitudes about pregnancy-related health issues. Pregnancy may be viewed as a teachable moment: a time when women are receptive to health advice and take action to improve their health and the health of their babies. Pregnancy may also be a teachable moment for expectant fathers, although men's behaviors are rarely considered as part of prenatal care or in associated research. Design: Cross-sectional prevalence study. Sample: Rural low-income expectant fathers (N=138) whose pregnant partners had enrolled in a Medicaid managed care health plan. Measurement: A telephone survey measuring five health risk behaviors, sociodemographic variables, and pregnancy- and behavior change-related attitudes. Results: Analyses found the following: 49.3% smoked cigarettes; 30.4% engaged in hazardous drinking in the past month; 27.5% had very low physical activity levels; 94.9% had at-risk fruit/vegetable intake; and 42% had weight-related health risk (25.4% met body mass index [BMI] criteria for obesity). Further, 47.9% of the men engaged in three or more of five assessed health risk behaviors. Conclusions: This sample of expectant fathers engages in high rates of health risk behaviors. Failure to address the health risk behavior of men during prenatal care represents a missed opportunity to improve paternal, maternal, and family health. [source] Quality of Life and Related Factors among Elderly Nursing Home Residents in Southern TaiwanPUBLIC HEALTH NURSING, Issue 5 2001Su-Zu Tseng M.S.N. This study explored subjectively perceived quality of life and related factors of elderly nursing home residents. In this study, 161 residents aged 65 and older were selected from 10 nursing homes in Southern Taiwan. The results showed: (1) the mean score of quality of life was 15.86 and the standardized score was 52.87, a medium rating for the overall sample; (2) different educational levels, and socioeconomic status were significantly different in the quality of life, the other sociodemographic variables were not significantly different in the quality of life. (3) length of residence in the nursing home was significantly negative relative to the quality of life. Physical function, activities of daily living, social support from nurses, social support from nursing aides, social support from families, and frequency of family interaction were significantly positive relatative to the quality of life. (4) Activies of daily living, social support from nurses, socioeconomic status, and physical function were the significant predictors in the quality of life, which explained 40.1% of the total amount of variance. Activities of daily living, social support from nursing aids, socioeconomic status, physical function and frequency of interaction with family were the significant predictors in the quality of life, which explained 39.5% of the total amount of variance. Results generated from this study may act as a reference for the staff of nursing homes to understand the quality of life and related factors among elderly residents. This study also acts as a reference for future intervention programs in this field. [source] Prevalence and Characteristics of Vibrator Use by Women in the United States: Results from a Nationally Representative StudyTHE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 7 2009Debra Herbenick PhD ABSTRACT Introduction., Although vibrators are commonly recommended by clinicians as adjunct to treatment for female sexual dysfunction, and for sexual enhancement, little is known about their prevalence or correlates of use. Aim., The aim of this study was to determine the lifetime and recent prevalence of women's vibrator use during masturbation and partnered sex, and the correlates of use related to sociodemographic variables, health behaviors, and sexual function. Methods., A nationally representative sample of 3,800 women aged 18,60 years were invited to participate in a cross-sectional Internet-based survey; 2,056 (54.1%) participated. Main Outcome Measures., The prevalence of vibrator use, the relationship between vibrator use and physical and psychological well-being (as assessed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] Healthy Days measure) and health-promoting behaviors, the relationship between vibrator use and women's scores on the Female Sexual Function Index, and an assessment of the frequency and severity of side effects potentially associated with vibrator use. Results., The prevalence of women's vibrator use was found to be 52.5% (95% CI 50.3,54.7%). Vibrator users were significantly more likely to have had a gynecologic exam during the past year (P < 0.001) and to have performed genital self-examination during the previous month (P < 0.001). Vibrator use was significantly related to several aspects of sexual function (i.e., desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, pain, overall function) with recent vibrator users scoring higher on most sexual function domains, indicating more positive sexual function. Most women (71.5%) reported having never experienced genital symptoms associated with vibrator use. There were no significant associations between vibrator use and participants' scores on the CDC Healthy Days Measures. Conclusions., Vibrator use among women is common, associated with health-promoting behaviors and positive sexual function, and rarely associated with side effects. Clinicians may find these data useful in responding to patients' sexual issues and recommending vibrator use to improve sexual function. Further research on the relationships between vibrator use and sexual health is warranted. Herbenick D, Reece M, Sanders S, Dodge B, Ghassemi A, and Fortenberry JD. Prevalence and characteristics of vibrator use by women in the United States: Results from a nationally representative study. J Sex Med 2009;6:1857,1866. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||