scholarly journals Serological surveys to estimate cumulative incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in adults (Sero-MAss study), Massachusetts, July–August 2020: a mail-based cross-sectional study

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. e051157
Author(s):  
Teah Snyder ◽  
Johanna Ravenhurst ◽  
Estee Y Cramer ◽  
Nicholas G Reich ◽  
Laura Balzer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Febrile Illness ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Asymptomatic Infection ◽  
Geographic Region ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Igg Antibodies ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Primary Sample

ObjectivesTo estimate the seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgM among Massachusetts residents and to better understand asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 transmission during the summer of 2020.DesignMail-based cross-sectional survey.SettingMassachusetts, USA.ParticipantsPrimary sampling group: sample of undergraduate students at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst (n=548) and a member of their household (n=231).Secondary sampling group: sample of graduate students, faculty, librarians and staff (n=214) and one member of their household (n=78). All participants were residents of Massachusetts without prior COVID-19 diagnosis.Primary and secondary outcome measuresPrevalence of SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity. Association of seroprevalence with variables including age, gender, race, geographic region, occupation and symptoms.ResultsApproximately 27 000 persons were invited via email to assess eligibility. 1001 households were mailed dried blood spot sample kits, 762 returned blood samples for analysis. In the primary sample group, 36 individuals (4.6%) had IgG antibodies detected for an estimated weighted prevalence in this population of 5.3% (95% CI: 3.5 to 8.0). In the secondary sampling group, 10 participants (3.4%) had IgG antibodies detected for an estimated adjusted prevalence of 4.0% (95% CI: 2.2 to 7.4). No samples were IgM positive. No association was found in either group between seropositivity and self-reported work duties or customer-facing hours. In the primary sampling group, self-reported febrile illness since February 2020, male sex and minority race (Black or American Indian/Alaskan Native) were associated with seropositivity. No factors except geographic regions within the state were associated with evidence of prior SARS-CoV-2 infection in the secondary sampling group.ConclusionsThis study fills a critical gap in estimating the levels of subclinical and asymptomatic infection. Estimates can be used to calibrate models estimating levels of population immunity over time, and these data are critical for informing public health interventions and policy.

scholarly journals Healthcare Workers Preparedness for COVID-19 Pandemic in the Occupied Palestinian Territory: A Cross-sectional Survey

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Osaid Alser ◽  
Heba Alghoul ◽  
Zahra Alkhateeb ◽  
Ayah Hamdan ◽  
Loai Albarqouni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Gaza Strip ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Occupied Palestinian Territory ◽  
Governmental Institutions ◽  
Palestinian Territory

Abstract Background: The coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic threatens to overwhelm the capacity of a vulnerable healthcare system in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt). Sufficient training of healthcare workers (HCWs) in managing COVID-19 and the provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) are essential in allowing oPt to mount a credible response to the crisis.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a validated online questionnaire between March 30, 2020 and April 12, 2020. Primary outcomes were availability of PPE and HCWs preparedness in oPt for COVID-19 pandemic. Secondary outcome was regional and hospital differences in oPt in terms of availability of PPE and HCWs preparedness.Results: Of 138 respondents, only 38 HCWs (27.5%) always had access to facemasks and 15 (10.9%) for isolation gowns. Most HCWs did not find eye protection (n=128, 92.8%), N95 respirators (n=132, 95.7%), and face shields (n=127, 92%) always available. Compared to HCWs in West Bank, those in the Gaza Strip were significantly less likely to have access to alcohol sanitizers (p=0.03) and gloves (p <0.001). On average, governmental hospitals were significantly less likely to have all appropriate PPE than non-governmental institutions (p = 0.001). Only 16 (11.6%) surveyed felt confident in dealing with a potential COVID-19 case, 57 (41.3%) having received any COVID-19-related training, and 57 (41.3%) not having a local hospital protocol. Conclusion: HCWs in oPt are underprepared and severely lacking adequate PPE provision. The lack of PPE provision will exacerbate spread of COVID-19 and deepen the crisis, whilst putting HCWs at risk.

scholarly journals Frequency of television viewing and association with overweight and obesity among women of the reproductive age group in Myanmar: results from a nationwide cross-sectional survey

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. e024680 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rajat Das Gupta ◽  
Ibrahim Hossain Sajal ◽  
Mehedi Hasan ◽  
Ipsita Sutradhar ◽  
Mohammad Rifat Haider ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rural Women ◽  
Television Viewing ◽  
Wealth Index ◽  
Educational Status ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional

ObjectivesThis study aimed to discern the association between the frequency of television viewing and overweight and obesity among reproductive age women of Myanmar.DesignThis was a cross-sectional study.SettingThis study used Myanmar Demographic and Health Survey (2015–2016) data.ParticipantsTotal of 12 021 women both aged 15–49 years and also not pregnant or did not deliver a child within the 2 months prior to the survey were included.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe primary outcome was overweight (23.0 kg/m2to <27.5 kg/m2) and obesity (≥27.5 kg/m2), which was measured using the Asian body mass index cut-off. Ordered logistic regression analysis was conducted to find the association between the explanatory and outcome variables. The potential confounders controlled in the multivariable analyses were age, place of residence, region of residence, highest educational status, current employment status, wealth index, parity and number of household members.ResultsThe prevalence of overweight was 26.5% and obesity was 12.2% among the study participants. The odds of being overweight and obese were 20% higher (adjusted OR (AOR) 1.16, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.32; p=0.023) among those who watched television at least once a week compared with those who did not watch television at all. Rural women who watched television at least once a week were 1.2 times more likely to be obese (AOR 1.16, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.34; p=0.040) compared with those who did not watch television at all.ConclusionsFrequent television watching was associated with obesity among rural women of reproductive age in Myanmar.

scholarly journals Prevalence and associated risk factors of hypertension among persons aged 15–49 in India: a cross-sectional study

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. e029714 ◽  
Author(s):  
Soumitra Ghosh ◽  
Manish Kumar
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Family Health ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Effective Interventions ◽  
Life Style Changes ◽  
Associated Risk Factors

ObjectivesThis is the first attempt to provide estimates on the prevalence of hypertension at the national, state and district level, a prerequisite for designing effective interventions. Besides, the study aims to identify the risk factors of hypertension.DesignWe analysed cross-sectional survey data from the fourth round (2015–2016) of National Family Health Survey (NFHS). NFHS was conducted between January 2015 and December 2016, gathering information on a range of indicators including blood pressure. The age adjusted prevalence of hypertension was calculated for state comparison, while multilevel logistic regression analysis was done to assess the correlates of hypertension.Setting and participantsIndia (2015–2016; n=811 917) aged 15–49.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe primary outcome is hypertension, which has been defined as systolic blood pressure ≥140 mm Hg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mm Hg.ResultsThe age-adjusted prevalence of hypertension in India was 11.3% (95% CI 11.16% to 11.43%) among persons aged between 15 and 49 and was four percentage points higher among males 13.8% (95% CI 13.46% to 14.19%) than among females 10.9% (95% CI 10.79% to 11.06%). Persons in the urban location (12.5%, 95% CI 12.25% to 12.80%) had a marginally higher prevalence than persons in rural location (10.6%, 95% CI 10.50% to 10.78%). The proportion of population suffering from hypertension varied greatly between states, with a prevalence of 8.2% (95% CI 7.58% to 8.85%) in Kerala to 20.3% (95% CI 18.81% to 21.77%) in Sikkim. Advancing age, obesity/overweight, male sex, socioeconomic status and consumption of alcohol were found to be the major predictors of hypertension.ConclusionsHypertension prevalence is now becoming more concentrated among the poor. Policy measures should be taken to improve the hazardous working conditions and growing social pressures of survival responsible for ‘life-style’ changes such as consumption of high calorie food and alcohol.

scholarly journals Cross-sectional study on the awareness, susceptibility and use of heated tobacco products among adolescents in Guatemala City, Guatemala

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. e039792
Author(s):  
Anna Gottschlich ◽  
Sophia Mus ◽  
Jose Carlos Monzon ◽  
James F Thrasher ◽  
Joaquin Barnoya
Keyword(s):  
Sociodemographic Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Tobacco Prevention ◽  
Guatemala City ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Tobacco Products ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
The Past

ObjectivesHeated tobacco products (HTPs) are increasingly marketed worldwide, yet limited research on HTPs has been conducted in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) or among adolescents. Guatemala is one of the few LMICs where HTPs are available. This study examined prevalence and correlates of HTP awareness, susceptibility and use among adolescents in Guatemala.Design, setting and participantsA cross-sectional survey on HTP awareness, susceptibility and use was conducted among 2870 students between the ages of 13 and 17 in private schools in Guatemala City, Guatemala.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe primary outcome was susceptibility to future use of HTP among school-aged current and never smokers in Guatemala. We also explored awareness and use of HTPs. Multivariate binomial regression models were used to explore associations between these outcomes and both sociodemographic factors and established smoking correlates.ResultsOf all students (n=2870), about half were aware of HTPs (52.4%) and susceptible to future or continued use (52.4%). Whereas 8.4% of students had tried HTPs in the lifetime (but not in the last month), only 2.9% used HTPs in the past month. Independent correlates of HTP susceptibility and ever-use included: use of other tobacco products (current smoking: adjusted OR (AOR)=10.53 and 6.63, respectively; current e-cigarette use: AOR=21.87 and 10.40, respectively), moderate alcohol consumption (AOR=1.49 and 1.19, respectively), marijuana use in the past 30 days (AOR=3.49 and 2.29, respectively) and having friends who use HTPs (AOR=1.83 and 7.28, respectively).ConclusionsAmong this sample of adolescents in Guatemala City, where tobacco control is weak, the prevalence of HTP use was low but susceptibility to future use was high. Tobacco prevention and intervention strategies for cigarettes and e-cigarettes should now also include HTPs, which tend to be used by similar adolescent populations (ie, those who use other substances or are exposed to tobacco through family and friends).

scholarly journals Psychological Distress Induces Poor Sleep Quality: A Cross-Sectional Study of Pharmacy Students in Bandung City, Indonesia

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 369-375 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sofa D. Alfian ◽  
Henry Ng ◽  
Dika P. Destiani ◽  
Rizky Abdulah
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Poor Sleep ◽  
Poor Sleep Quality ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Subjective Sleep Quality ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Subjective Sleep

Introduction: Poor subjective sleep quality in undergraduate students has not been widely studied in Bandung city, Indonesia. Poor sleep quality has been related to a number of risk factors for poor health outcomes. Objective: To analyze the association between psychological distress and subjective sleep quality. Methods: A cross sectional survey was done in one of the universities of Bandung city, Indonesia. Data were collected from 290 undergraduate students selected through consecutive sampling. Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Kessler-10 questionnaire were administered. Results: The prevalence of psychological distress was well (43.1%), mild (28.6%), moderate (20.7%), and severe (7.6%). The overall sleep quality was poor and good in 84.5% and 15.5% of the students. There was a significant association between psychological distress and poor sleep quality (p=0.006). The multivariate analysis suggested that psychological distress was a predictor of poor sleep quality (OR 1.991; 95% CI, 1.311−3.026). Conclusion: There is a need for an awareness of the college resources to help manage the stress levels of students through effective coping strategy-related study habits.

Impostorism among the undergraduate students of Bangladesh: A cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Md Shahjalal ◽  
Ahmed Hossain ◽  
Most Fatematujjuhora ◽  
Arifa Sultana ◽  
Shatabdee Hawlader ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Professional Lives ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Professional Performance ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Imposter Phenomenon ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
The University

Abstract Background Imposter Phenomenon (IP) is a highly prevalent behavioural health issue affecting individual professional performance and regular activity. The current study focused on evaluating IP prevalence and assessing the factor contributing to IP among undergraduate students of Dhaka city. This was an analytical cross-sectional survey performed among undergraduate students between August to December 2020. The Young Imposter Scale (YIS) was used to determine the dichotomous assessment for the presence or absence of IP. Results Among the recruited 1,139 students, 378 (33%) had imposter syndrome. The prevalence was relatively higher (34%) among males compared to females (32%). Around one third (31.6%) reported that they face problems in sleeping. Our analysis shows that the sleeping problem of the student (p=<0.01) and academic year (p=0.04) had a statistically significant association with IP. Students who completed two academic years were more likely to have IP (AOR:1.18; 95% CI: 1.01-1.41). There was a statistically significant difference in the experience of IP across who had a sleeping problem than those who didn’t (AOR: 1.54; 95% CI: 1.25-1.90). Conclusion Our study revealed a relatively high prevalence of IP among undergraduate students, affecting their professional lives. Awareness-raising programmes should be arranged at the university level to help students to cope up with IP.

Use of real patients in teaching ENT diseases to undergraduate students and its effects on patient satisfaction: cross-sectional survey

2015 ◽  
Vol 129 (7) ◽  
pp. 666-669 ◽  
Author(s):  
E Löfgren ◽  
S Alikoski ◽  
S Hannula ◽  
M Sorri ◽  
O-P Alho
Keyword(s):  
Patient Satisfaction ◽  
Health Service ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Undergraduate Teaching ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Real Patients

AbstractObjectives:To describe a method of using real patients in teaching ENT to undergraduates and to examine whether being a case patient affected patient satisfaction.Methods:In a cross-sectional study, 68 teaching-involved patients (case patients) with a suspected common ENT illness and 68 matched (in terms of age, sex and region of complaint) control patients evaluated the health service and their encounter with the physician. The students saw the case patients first independently and then saw the patient with the teacher physician. The controls were treated in a normal way.Results:Fifty-eight case patients (84 per cent) and 65 control patients (95 per cent) answered the questionnaire. The median duration of the visit was significantly longer for the case patients than the controls (115 vs 60 minutes). Almost all patients in both groups graded the overall quality of the health service, and the variables describing various aspects of the setting and the encounter with the physician, as either good or excellent.Conclusion:Patients who took part in the undergraduate teaching of ENT diseases were equally content with their primary visit as the control patients, even though their visit took a markedly longer time.

scholarly journals ‘I decided not to go into surgery due to dress code’: a cross-sectional study within the UK investigating experiences of female Muslim medical health professionals on bare below the elbows (BBE) policy and wearing headscarves (hijabs) in theatre

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. e019954 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abida Malik ◽  
Hafsah Qureshi ◽  
Humayra Abdul-Razakq ◽  
Zahra Yaqoob ◽  
Fatima Zahra Javaid ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hospital Medicine ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Dress Code ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Operating Theatres ◽  
Uniform Policy ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

ObjectivesThe objective of this study is to explore the impact of workplace dress code policies and guidance that may influence inclusivity and opportunities in the workplace.DesignQuantitative, self-completion cross-sectional survey.SettingBritish Islamic Medical Association conference.ParticipantsEighty-four female medical healthcare professionals with a range of ethnicities and wide geographical coverage.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe study reports on the experiences of female Muslim healthcare professions wearing the headscarf in theatre and their views of the bare below the elbows (BBE) policy. Percentage of positive answers and their respective 95% CIs are calculated.ResultsThe majority of participants agreed that wearing the headscarf was important for themselves and their religious beliefs (94.1%), yet over half (51.5%) experienced problems trying to wear a headscarf in theatre; some women felt embarrassed (23.4%), anxious (37.1%) and bullied (36.5%). A variety of different methods in head covering in operating theatres were identified. The majority of respondents (56.3%) felt their religious requirement to cover their arms was not respected by their trust, with nearly three-quarters (74.1%) of respondents not happy with their trust’s BBE uniform policy alternative. Dissatisfaction with the current practice of headscarves in theatre and BBE policy was highlighted, with some respondents preferring to specialise as GPs rather than in hospital medicine because of dress code matters. The hijab prototype proposed by the research team also received a positive response (98.7%).ConclusionsOur study suggests that female Muslims working in the National Health Service (NHS) reported experiencing challenges when wearing the headscarf in theatre and with BBE policy. The NHS needs to make its position clear to avoid variations in individual trust interpretation of dress code policies. This illustrates a wider issue of how policies can be at odds with personal beliefs which may contribute to a reduction in workforce diversity.

scholarly journals Cross-sectional study of nutritional intake among patients undergoing tuberculosis treatment along the Myanmar–Thailand border

BMJ Open ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. e052981
Author(s):  
Karim Damji ◽  
Ahmar H Hashmi ◽  
Lin Lin Kyi ◽  
Michele Vincenti-Delmas ◽  
Win Pa Pa Htun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Nutritional Intake ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Tb Treatment ◽  
Micronutrient Intake ◽  
Caloric Requirements

ObjectiveThis study summarises nutritional intake among patients with tuberculosis (TB) along the Myanmar–Thailand border according to the local diet.SettingTB clinic along the Myanmar–Thailand border.ParticipantsCross-sectional surveys of 24-hour food recall were conducted with participants receiving anti-TB treatment. Participants were purposively selected to reflect proportion of age, sex and HIV co-infection based on historical patient records. Out of a total of 28 participants, 20 (71.4%) were men and 5 (17.9%) were co-infected with HIV.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe primary outcome compared actual recorded intake to recommended intake. Secondary outcomes compared weight gain and body mass index (BMI) from diagnosis to time of survey.ResultsThere were no significant differences in macronutrient or micronutrient intake by sex or for patients supplementing their rations. Mean treatment length at time of survey was 20.7 weeks (95% CI: 16.5 to 24.8). A significantly higher proportion of women (8/8, 100%) met caloric requirements compared with men (9/20, 45.0%, p=0.010), but few participants met other macronutrient or micronutrient requirements, with no significant differences by sex or for patients supplementing their rations. From diagnosis to the time of the survey, participants averaged significant weight gain of 6.48 kg (95% CI: 3.87 to 9.10) and increased BMI of 2.47 kg/m2 (95% CI: 1.45 to 3.49; p=0.0001 for both). However, 50% (14/28) still had mild or more severe forms of malnutrition.ConclusionsThis cross-sectional survey of nutritional intake in patients undergoing TB treatment in a sanatorium setting demonstrates the difficulty in sufficiently meeting nutritional demands, even when providing nutritional support.

scholarly journals Do you recommend cancer screening to your patients? A cross-sectional study of Norwegian doctors

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. e029739
Author(s):  
Berit Bringedal ◽  
Atle Fretheim ◽  
Stein Nilsen ◽  
Karin Isaksson Rø
Keyword(s):  
Prostate Cancer ◽  
Cancer Screening ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Postal Questionnaire ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
National Guidelines ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Breast And Prostate Cancer

ObjectiveGuidelines for cancer screening have been debated and are followed to varying degrees. We wanted to study whether and why doctors recommend disease-specific cancer screening to their patients.DesignOur cross-sectional survey used a postal questionnaire. The data were examined with descriptive methods and binary logistic regression.SettingWe surveyed doctors working in all health services.ParticipantsOur participants comprised a representative sample of Norwegian doctors in 2014/2015.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe primary outcome is whether doctors reported recommending their patients get screening for cancers of the breast, colorectum, lung, prostate, cervix and ovaries. We examined doctors’ characteristics predicting adherence to the guidelines, including gender, age, and work in specialist or general practice. The secondary outcomes are reasons given for recommending or not recommending screening for breast and prostate cancer.ResultsOur response rate was 75% (1158 of 1545). 94% recommended screening for cervical cancer, 89% for breast cancer (both established as national programmes), 42% for colorectal cancer (upcoming national programme), 41% for prostate cancer, 21% for ovarian cancer and 17% for lung cancer (not recommended by health authorities). General practitioners (GPs) adhered to guidelines more than other doctors. Early detection was the most frequent reason for recommending screening; false positives and needless intervention were the most frequent reasons for not recommending it.ConclusionsA large majority of doctors claimed that they recommended cancer screening in accordance with national guidelines. Among doctors recommending screening contrary to the guidelines, GPs did so to a lesser degree than other specialties. Different expectations of doctors’ roles could be a possible explanation for the variations in practice and justifications. The effectiveness of governing instruments, such as guidelines, incentives or reporting measures, can depend on which professional role(s) a doctor is loyal to, and policymakers should be aware of these different roles in clinical governance.

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