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Madsen ER, Schaffer K, Hare Bork R, Yeager VA. Teamwork and Collaboration: Bright Spots of Governmental Public Health Employee Reflections on the COVID-19 Response. J Public Health Manag Pract 2024; 30:377-383. [PMID: 38489536 DOI: 10.1097/phh.0000000000001882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
The public health emergency response following the outbreak of COVID-19 necessitated greater internal public health agency teamwork and external collaboration. Building on previous research, this article is the third of 3 research briefs that highlight "bright spots" or valuable experiences and opportunities from the COVID-19 response. Using PH WINS 2021 data, we qualitatively examined responses to a question about pandemic workforce experiences. Teamwork and collaboration were emphasized as a critical component of employees' experiences. Across 260 responses, 7 subthemes emerged, generally commemorating the ways that the response effort and employees were supported by teamwork and collaboration. Findings highlight the value of ongoing cross-division teamwork within agencies, the role of leaders in teamwork, and that lessons from teamwork/collaboration experiences can inform organizational system improvements. Maintaining and expanding on improved external collaboration and partnerships should be prioritized for preparing for future emergency events and serving public health communities on a daily basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie R Madsen
- Author Affiliations: Department of Communication Studies, Indiana University School of Liberal Arts, Indianapolis, Indiana (Ms Madsen); de Beaumont Foundation, Bethesda, Maryland (Ms Schaffer and Dr Hare Bork); and Department of Health Policy and Management, Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana (Dr Yeager)
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Yang F, Li Y, Stetson R. Translating and validating the sources of pressure scale: Job stressors among Chinese government employees. Stress Health 2024; 40:e3286. [PMID: 37334873 DOI: 10.1002/smi.3286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, stress-related suicides have been on the rise among Chinese government employees. Standardized instruments on job stress are abundant, but few of them have been administered and validated among Chinese government employees. Using convenience samples of Chinese government employees, this study aimed to translate and validate the Sources of Pressure Scale (SPS) of the Pressure Management Indicator (PMI), which is a comprehensive instrument on job stress developed by western researchers. Sample 1 participants (n = 278) filled out the PMI questionnaire and the Kessler Psychological Distress scale in person and sample 2 participants (n = 227) completed the same questionnaires online. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted using separate samples. Though the original SPS contained 40 items and eight dimensions, our analyses validated a much shorter version, with four dimensions encompassing 15 items: relationships (5 items), home-work balance (4 items), recognition (3 items), and personal responsibilities (3 items). Also reported in the study is evidence that the shortened version of the the PMI is the Sources of Pressure Scale is a reliable and valid measure of job stressors among Chinese government employees. Government agencies in China can use these findings to develop more relevant organizational-level interventions to reduce job stress and its detrimental consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yong Li
- California State University, Bakersfield, California, USA
| | - Randall Stetson
- State University of New York at Oswego, Oswego, New York, USA
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Ives CL, Krzyzanowski MC, Marshall VJ, Norris K, Cockburn M, Bentley-Edwards K, Mohottige D, Pollack Porter KM, Dillard D, Eisenberg Y, Jiménez MC, Pérez-Stable EJ, Jones NL, Dayal J, Maiese DR, Williams D, Hendershot TP, Hamilton CM. The PhenX Toolkit: Recommended Measurement Protocols for Social Determinants of Health Research. Curr Protoc 2024; 4:e977. [PMID: 38441413 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Health disparities are driven by unequal conditions in the environments in which people are born, live, learn, work, play, worship, and age, commonly termed the Social Determinants of Health (SDoH). The availability of recommended measurement protocols for SDoH will enable investigators to consistently collect data for SDoH constructs. The PhenX (consensus measures for Phenotypes and eXposures) Toolkit is a web-based catalog of recommended measurement protocols for use in research studies with human participants. Using standard protocols from the PhenX Toolkit makes it easier to compare and combine studies, potentially increasing the impact of individual studies, and aids in comparability across literature. In 2018, the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities provided support for an initial expert Working Group to identify and recommend established SDoH protocols for inclusion in the PhenX Toolkit. In 2022, a second expert Working Group was convened to build on the work of the first SDoH Working Group and address gaps in the SDoH Toolkit Collections. The SDoH Collections consist of a Core Collection and Individual and Structural Specialty Collections. This article describes a Basic Protocol for using the PhenX Toolkit to select and implement SDoH measurement protocols for use in research studies. © 2024 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA. Basic Protocol: Using the PhenX Toolkit to select and implement SDoH protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cataia L Ives
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | | | - Vanessa J Marshall
- National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Keith Norris
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Myles Cockburn
- Department of Dermatology and Department of Population & Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Keisha Bentley-Edwards
- Division of General Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Dinushika Mohottige
- Institute of Health Equity Research and Division of Nephrology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Keshia M Pollack Porter
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | - Yochai Eisenberg
- Department of Disability and Human Development, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Monik C Jiménez
- Division of Women's Health, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Eliseo J Pérez-Stable
- National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Nancy L Jones
- National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Jyoti Dayal
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Deborah R Maiese
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
- Retired consultant
| | - David Williams
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
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Brooks SK, Patel D, Greenberg N. "Exceptionally challenging time for all of us": Qualitative study of the COVID-19 experiences of partners of diplomatic personnel. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0293557. [PMID: 37917599 PMCID: PMC10621840 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the romantic partners of diplomatic personnel frequently accompany their spouses to overseas postings and face the challenges of having to adjust to new cultures and separation from friends and family, they have rarely been the focus of academic research. This study explores the lived experiences of the partners/spouses of diplomatic personnel from the United Kingdom's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Partners of FCDO staff took part in semi-structured interviews about how COVID-19 had affected their lives and their perceptions of the organisation's response to the pandemic. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. RESULTS Eleven partners of FCDO staff took part, who between them had lived in 14 different countries during the pandemic. The analysis identified six key themes: deployment-specific challenges such as travel restrictions, quarantine and evacuation; children; impacts of the pandemic including financial and psychological; perceptions of the organisational response to COVID-19; support and help-seeking; and suggestions for the future. Overall participants reported experiencing a number of challenges, many of which left them feeling powerless and not in control of their own lives. Participants frequently described a lack of clarity around policies and support. Social support appeared to be valuable, but many participants wanted more support from the organisation and from informal networks. CONCLUSIONS Diplomatic (and similar) organisations could enhance the wellbeing of the partners of their staff through improved communication and support. Keeping families informed about restrictions, requirements, policies and available help during a crisis, and reaching out to them to offer advice and support, would likely be beneficial. It is important that lessons are learned from the COVID-19 crisis in order for organisations to be able to support their employees and families if another prolonged crisis were to occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha K. Brooks
- Department of Psychological Medicine, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Dipti Patel
- Overseas Health and Welfare, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, London, United Kingdom
| | - Neil Greenberg
- Department of Psychological Medicine, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
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Duan L, Zhang M, Cao Y, Du Y, Chen M, Xue R, Shen M, Luo D, Xiao S, Duan Y. Exposure to ambient air pollutants is associated with an increased incidence of hyperuricemia: A longitudinal cohort study among Chinese government employees. Environ Res 2023; 235:116631. [PMID: 37442260 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is widely recognized that ambient air pollution can induce various detrimental health outcomes. However, evidence linking ambient air pollutants and hyperuricemia incidence is scarce. OBJECTIVES To assess the association between long-term air pollution exposure and the risk of hyperuricemia. METHODS In this study, a total of 5854 government employees without hyperuricemia were recruited and followed up from January 2018 to June 2021 in Hunan Province, China. Hyperuricemia was defined as serum uric acid (SUA) level of >420 μmol/L for men and >360 μmol/L for women or use of SUA-lowering medication or diagnosed as hyperuricemia during follow-up. Data from local air quality monitoring stations were used to calculate individual exposure levels of PM10, PM2.5, SO2 and NO2 by inverse distance weightingn (IDW) method. Cox proportional hazard model was applied to evaluate the causal relationships between air pollutant exposures and the risk of hyperuricemia occurrence after adjustment for potential confounders and meanwhile, restricted cubic spline was used to explore the dose-response relationships. RESULTS The results indicated that exposures to PM10 (hazard ratio, HR = 1.042, 95% conficence interal, 95% CI: 1.028, 1.057), PM2.5 (HR = 1.204, 95% CI: 1.141, 1.271) and NO2 (HR = 1.178, 95% CI: 1.125,1.233) were associated with an increased HR of hyperuricemia. In addition, a nonlinear dose-response relationship was found between PM10 exposure level and the HR of hyperuricemia (p for nonlinearity = 0.158) with a potential threshold of 50.11 μg/m3. Subgroup analysis demonstrated that participants usually waking up at night and using natural ventilation were more vulnerable to the exposures of PM10, PM2.5, NO2, and SO2. CONCLUSION Long-term exposures to ambient PM10, PM2.5 and NO2 are associated with an increased incidence of hyperuricemia among Chinese government employees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidan Duan
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Muyang Zhang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Yuhan Cao
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Yuwei Du
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Meiling Chen
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Rumeng Xue
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Minxue Shen
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Dan Luo
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Shuiyuan Xiao
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Yanying Duan
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China.
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Dannenberg A, Lumkowsky M, Carlton EK, Victor DG. Naming and shaming as a strategy for enforcing the Paris Agreement: The role of political institutions and public concern. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2305075120. [PMID: 37748069 PMCID: PMC10556554 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2305075120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Enforcement is a challenge for effective international cooperation. In human rights and environmental law, along with many other domains of international cooperation, "naming and shaming" is often used as an enforcement mechanism in the absence of stronger alternatives. Naming and shaming hinges on the ability to identify countries whose efforts are inadequate and effectively shame them toward better behavior. Research on this approach has struggled to identify factors that explain when it influences state behavior in ways that lead to more cooperation. Via survey of a large (N = 910) novel sample of experienced diplomats involved in the design of the Paris Agreement, we find support for the proposition that naming and shaming is most accepted and effective in influencing the behavior of countries that have high-quality political institutions, strong internal concern about climate change, and ambitious and credible international climate commitments. Naming and shaming appears less effective in other countries, so further enforcement mechanisms will be needed for truly global cooperation. We also find that the climate diplomacy experts favor a process of naming and shaming that relies on official intergovernmental actors, in contrast with studies suggesting that NGOs, media, and other private actors are more effective at naming and shaming. We suggest that these tensions-the inability for naming and shaming to work effectively within the countries least motivated for climate action and the preference for namers and shamers that seem least likely to be effective-will become central policy debates around making cooperation on climate change more enforceable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astrid Dannenberg
- Department of Economics, University of Kassel, 34109Kassel, Germany
- Department of Economics, University of Gothenburg, 405 30Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Marcel Lumkowsky
- Department of Economics, University of Kassel, 34109Kassel, Germany
| | - Emily K. Carlton
- School of Global Policy and Strategy, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA92093
| | - David G. Victor
- School of Global Policy and Strategy, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA92093
- Department of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA92093
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Jacobs School of Engineering, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA92093
- Foreign Policy Program, The Brookings Institution, Washington DC20036
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Mohammad Hossein ZJ, Mehran D. Seroprevalence of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgM Antibodies among Government Employees in Iran. Arch Razi Inst 2023; 78:1413-1420. [PMID: 38590673 PMCID: PMC10998939 DOI: 10.32592/ari.2023.78.5.1413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 disease emerged in Wuhan, China, in December 2019 and quickly became a global health threat. Around 6,947,192 people have been killed around the world so far, including 146,292 in Iran. In addition to the definitive diagnosis of the disease by RT-PCR, immunological and serological tests can check the anti-SARS-CoV-2 N protein antibody titer in people at different stages of infection with acceptable sensitivity and specificity. The serological examination is an effective and efficient method for determining the prevalence of the disease, especially when asymptomatic cases are present or the diagnosis of symptomatic cases is incomplete. The study examined the seroprevalence of COVID-19 at the Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute (RVSRI) and the Agricultural Research, Education, and Extension Organization (AREEO). A total of 493 blood samples were collected from volunteers in June 2020 in AREEO, and 380 samples were collected in June and July 2020 in RVSRI. The total number of volunteers from both organizations was 873. Standard ELISA kits were used to measure IgG and IgM antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. A statistical analysis of the obtained data was conducted using SPSS (version 22.0). Among the total 873 volunteers examined in RVSRI and AREEO, 10.5% had elevated serum titers either for IgM or IgG, 3.55% of whom were women and 6.95% were men. Generally, 8.8% of people tested positive for IgM, which showed a recent infection with COVID-19 in people at that time and partially indicated the start of a new wave of COVID-19. In RVSRI, 3.42% of people with positive IgM titers (positive or negative IgG titers) were women and 5.53% were men. In AREEO, 3.02% were women and 5.72% were men. The seroprevalence rate of COVID-19 in RVSRI was 11.6%, 4.2% of which were women and 7.35% were men, with no significant difference between women and men. The COVID-19 seroprevalence in AREEO was 9.7%, 3.22% of which were women and 6.5% were men, with no significant difference between women and men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zabeh Jazi Mohammad Hossein
- Department of Venomous Animals and Antivenom Production, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
| | - Dabaghian Mehran
- Department of Venomous Animals and Antivenom Production, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
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Wishart AL, Swamydas M, Lionakis MS. Isolation of Mouse Neutrophils. Curr Protoc 2023; 3:e879. [PMID: 37707422 PMCID: PMC10503263 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Neutrophils represent the first line of defense against bacterial and fungal pathogens. Indeed, patients with inherited or acquired qualitative and quantitative neutrophil defects are at high risk for developing bacterial and fungal infections and suffering adverse outcomes from these infections. Therefore, research aiming at defining the molecular factors that modulate neutrophil effector function under homeostatic conditions and during infection is essential for devising strategies to augment neutrophil function and improve the outcomes of infected individuals. This article describes reproducible density-gradient-centrifugation-based as well as positive and negative immunomagnetic selection protocols that can be applied in any laboratory to harvest large numbers of highly enriched and highly viable neutrophils from the bone marrow of mice. In another protocol, we also present a method that combines gentle enzymatic tissue digestion with a positive immunomagnetic selection technique or fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) to harvest highly pure and highly viable preparations of neutrophils directly from mouse tissues such as the kidney, the liver, or the spleen. Mouse neutrophils isolated by these protocols can be used to examine several aspects of cellular function ex vivo, including pathogen binding, phagocytosis, and killing, neutrophil chemotaxis, oxidative burst, degranulation, and cytokine production, and for performing neutrophil adoptive transfer experiments. © 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC. This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA. Basic Protocol 1: Isolation of Neutrophils from Mouse Bone Marrow Using Positive Immunomagnetic Separation Alternate Protocol 1: Purification of Neutrophils from Bone Marrow Using Negative Immunomagnetic Separation Alternate Protocol 2: Purification of Neutrophils from Bone Marrow Using Histopaque-Based Density Gradient Centrifugation Basic Protocol 2: Isolation of Neutrophils from Mouse Tissues Using Positive Immunomagnetic Separation Alternate Protocol 3: Isolation of Neutrophils from Mouse Tissues Using FACS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew L Wishart
- Fungal Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology & Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Muthulekha Swamydas
- Fungal Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology & Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Michail S Lionakis
- Fungal Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology & Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Brooks SK, Patel D, Greenberg N. Mental health of diplomatic personnel: scoping review. Occup Med (Lond) 2023; 73:155-160. [PMID: 36893355 PMCID: PMC10132204 DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqad032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diplomatic personnel frequently relocate as part of their roles, requiring them to adapt to various cultural and political conditions; many are also at risk of experiencing trauma from being deployed to high-threat postings. With diplomatic personnel having to balance the usual pressures of their work with the uncertainties of COVID-19 in recent years, it is particularly important now to understand how to protect their mental health. AIMS To synthesize existing literature on the well-being of diplomatic personnel to improve understanding of how to protect their mental health. METHODS A scoping review was carried out to explore what is already known about the well-being of staff working in diplomatic roles. Four databases were searched and reference lists, as well as one key journal, were hand-searched. RESULTS Fifteen relevant publications were included. There was little consensus as to how the psychological well-being of diplomatic personnel compares to other populations or which factors predict well-being. Diplomats' psychological responses to traumatic experiences appeared similar to those of other trauma-exposed occupational groups. CONCLUSIONS Further research is needed to better understand the well-being of diplomatic personnel, particularly those not deployed to high-threat posts.
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Affiliation(s)
- S K Brooks
- Department of Psychological Medicine, King’s College London, Weston Education Centre, London SE5 9RJ, UK
| | - D Patel
- Overseas Health and Welfare, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, King Charles Street, London SW1A 2AH, UK
| | - N Greenberg
- Department of Psychological Medicine, King’s College London, Weston Education Centre, London SE5 9RJ, UK
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Randall JG, Dalal DK, Dowden A. Factors associated with contact tracing compliance among communities of color in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Soc Sci Med 2023; 322:115814. [PMID: 36898242 PMCID: PMC9987607 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.115814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE The disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on communities of color has raised questions about the unique experiences within these communities not only in terms of becoming infected with COVID-19 but also mitigating its spread. The utility of contact tracing for managing community spread and supporting economic reopening is contingent upon, in part, compliance with contact tracer requests. OBJECTIVE We investigated how trust in and knowledge of contact tracers influence intentions to comply with tracing requests and whether or not these relationships and associated antecedent factors differ between communities of color. METHOD Data were collected from a U.S. sample of 533 survey respondents from Fall (2020) to Spring 2021. Multi-group SEM tested quantitative study hypotheses separately for Black, AAPI, Latinx, and White sub-samples. Qualitative data were collected via open-ended questions to inform the roles of trust and knowledge in contact tracing compliance. RESULTS Trust in contact tracers was associated with increased intentions to comply with tracing requests and significantly mediated the positive relationship between trust in healthcare professionals and government health officials with compliance intentions. Yet, the indirect effects of trust in government health officials on compliance intentions were significantly weaker for the Black, Latinx, and AAPI samples compared to Whites, suggesting this strategy for increasing compliance may not be as effective among communities of color. Health literacy and contact tracing knowledge played a more limited role in predicting compliance intentions directly or indirectly, and one that was inconsistent across racial groups. Qualitative results reinforce the importance of trust relative to knowledge for increasing tracing compliance intentions. CONCLUSIONS Building trust in contact tracers, more so than increasing knowledge, may be key to encouraging contact tracing compliance. Differences among communities of color and between these communities and Whites inform the policy recommendations provided for improving contact tracing success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason G Randall
- Psychology Department, University at Albany, SUNY, Social Science 399, 1400 Washington Ave., Albany, NY, 12222, USA.
| | - Dev K Dalal
- Psychology Department, University at Albany, SUNY, Social Science 399, 1400 Washington Ave., Albany, NY, 12222, USA.
| | - Aileen Dowden
- Psychology Department, University at Albany, SUNY, Social Science 399, 1400 Washington Ave., Albany, NY, 12222, USA.
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11
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Alebshehy R, Silver K, Chamberlain P. A “willingness to be orchestrated”: Why are UK diplomats working with tobacco companies? Front Public Health 2023; 11:977713. [PMID: 37006556 PMCID: PMC10064339 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.977713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundThe tobacco epidemic is global and addressing it requires global collaboration. International and national policies have been adopted to promote collaboration for tobacco control, including an obligation on diplomatic missions to protect public health from the vested interests of the tobacco industry. However, incidents of diplomats engaging with the tobacco industry are still occurring despite these regulations. This paper presents a case study of a British ambassador actions, and it points to some of the challenges researchers face in monitoring such incidents.MethodsThe incident studied in this paper was first identified through regular media monitoring conducted by the Tobacco Control Research Group at the University of Bath. The incident was further investigated by using the tools made available by the United Kingdom (UK) Freedom of Information Act, including submitting a request, asking for internal review, and submitting a complaint to the Information Commissioner's Office.ResultsWe identified clear evidence of the UK ambassador to Yemen opening a cigarette factory, part owned by British American Tobacco (BAT), in Jordan. Our investigation revealed a lack of documentation of this and similar incidents of interaction between diplomats and the tobacco industry. We raise concerns about the actions of diplomats which contravene both national and international policies.DiscussionMonitoring and reporting such activities produces several challenges. Diplomats' interactions with the tobacco industry represent a major concern for public health as such interactions seem to be systematically repeated. This paper calls for action to better implement national and international policies to protect the public health including in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Raouf Alebshehy
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
| | - Karin Silver
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
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Ling Z, Zhang C, He J, Ouyang F, Qiu D, Li L, Li Y, Li X, Duan Y, Luo D, Xiao S, Shen M. Association of Healthy Lifestyles with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Prospective Cohort Study in Chinese Government Employees. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15030604. [PMID: 36771311 PMCID: PMC9921275 DOI: 10.3390/nu15030604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence indicates that certain healthy lifestyle factors are associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, little is known about the effect of combined healthy lifestyle factors. OBJECTIVE To assess the association of combined healthy lifestyle factors with the incidence of NAFLD. METHODS This cohort study was conducted in Changsha, Hunan Province, China. The healthy lifestyles factors studied were not being a current smoker, having a healthy diet, engaging in physical activity, having a normal body mass index (BMI) and engaging in non-sedentary behavior. NAFLD was diagnosed based on abdominal ultrasonography. Logistic regression models were conducted to investigate the associations being studied. RESULTS Of the 5411 participants, 1280 participants had NAFLD, with a prevalence of 23.7% at baseline. The incidence of NAFLD among participants without NAFLD at baseline was found to be 7.2% over a mean follow-up of 1.1 years. Compared with participants with 0-1 low-risk factors, the OR of NAFLD was 0.50 (95% CI: 0.29-0.82, p = 0.008) for those with at least 4 low-risk factors. Similar associations were observed in subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSION This study suggests that a combined healthy lifestyle pattern may considerably decrease the risk of NAFLD in Chinese government employees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Ling
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Chengcheng Zhang
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Jun He
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Feiyun Ouyang
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Dan Qiu
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Ling Li
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Yilu Li
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Xuping Li
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Yanying Duan
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China
| | - Dan Luo
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Shuiyuan Xiao
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
- Correspondence: (S.X.); (M.S.)
| | - Minxue Shen
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 430013, China
- Furong Laboratory, Changsha 410008, China
- Correspondence: (S.X.); (M.S.)
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Bali AO, Halbusi HA, Ahmad AR, Lee KY. Public engagement in government officials' posts on social media during coronavirus lockdown. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0280889. [PMID: 36689430 PMCID: PMC9870155 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social media has been a common platform to disseminate health information by government officials during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, little is known about the determinants of public engagement in officials' posts on social media, especially during lockdown. OBJECTIVES This study aims to investigate how the public engages in officials' posts about COVID-19 on social media and to identify factors influencing the levels of engagement. METHODS A total of 511 adults aged 18 or over completed an online questionnaire during lockdown in Iraq. Levels of engagement in officials' posts on social media, trust in officials and compliance of government instructions were assessed. RESULTS Fear of COVID-19 and trust in officials were positively associated with compliance of government instructions. Trust in officials was also associated with active engagement in officials' posts on social media, including commenting, posting and sharing of the posts. CONCLUSIONS Trust in government has been established during the COVID-19 pandemic. Public engagement in officials' posts is crucial to reinforce health policies and disseminate health information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Omar Bali
- Diplomacy and Public Relations Department, University of Human Development, Sulaymaniah, Iraq
| | | | - Araz Ramazan Ahmad
- Department of Administration, College of Humanities, University of Raparin, Ranya, Iraq
- Department of International Relations & Diplomacy, Faculty of Administrative Sciences and Economics, Tishk International University, Erbil, Iraq
| | - Ka Yiu Lee
- Department of People and Society, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Alnarp, Sweden
- Department of Health Sciences, Swedish Winter Sports Research Centre, Mid Sweden University, Östersund, Sweden
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Li R, Li L, Liu B, Luo D, Xiao S. Associations of levels of peripheral blood leukocyte and subtypes with type 2 diabetes: A longitudinal study of Chinese government employees. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1094022. [PMID: 37033252 PMCID: PMC10080122 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1094022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Available evidence suggests that type 2 diabetes (T2D) may be associated with inflammation and that leukocytes are a topical clinical, biological indicator of inflammation. This study investigates the associations between peripheral blood leukocyte and subtypes levels with T2D. METHODS A total of 5,475 individuals were included in the baseline examination from January 2018 to April 2020, with incidence data updated to April 30, 2021, and follow-up to 5,362 individuals. T2D was defined according to the Chinese guidelines for preventing and treating type 2 diabetes. Physiological and biochemical indicators, including leukocyte and subtypes, were obtained from the physical examination results of the tertiary care hospitals relied on at the cohort sites. Covariates such as demographic characteristics and lifestyle were collected by questionnaire. Binary logistic regression and Cox proportional hazard models were used to explore the correlations. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves and time-dependent ROC curves were used to estimate the predictive diagnosis of T2D across the subtype of leukocytes. RESULTS The mean follow-up time was 12 months, and the cumulative incidence density of T2D was 4.0/1000 person-years. Cross-sectional results at baseline showed that the levels of peripheral blood leukocyte and its subtypes were higher in the T2D group than in the non-T2D group. Total leukocyte count and subtypes levels were grouped by quintile. After adjusting for age, sex, family history of diabetes, lifestyle score, and triglyceride levels, all were compared with the lowest quintile of each group. Logistic regression model results showed that the corrected OR for those with the highest quintile level of leukocyte was 2.01 (95% CI: 1.02-3.98). The longitudinal analysis showed that the adjusted HR was 8.43 (95%CI: 1.06-66.92) for those with the highest quintile level of leukocytes at baseline after controlling for the effects of the above covariates. For those with the highest quintile level of neutrophils at baseline, the adjusted HR was 5.05 (95%CI: 1.01-25.29). The leukocyte and subtypes had predictive values for T2D. CONCLUSION Patients with T2D have a higher level of peripheral blood leukocyte and subtypes than those without the disease. Elevated leukocyte and neutrophil counts may link to a higher risk of T2D.
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Guo W, Sun N. Unprofessional or Admirable? Determinants of Purchasing Behavior in Government Officials' Livestreamed Shopping. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:13073. [PMID: 36293653 PMCID: PMC9602743 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192013073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
As a new form of poverty governance, government officials' livestreaming e-commerce of agricultural and sideline products has been booming since the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in 2019. However, exploring the determinants of consumer purchase intentions in the context of government officials' livestreaming is still limited. Drawing on the stimulus-organism-response (S-O-R) framework, this study develops a research model to examine the effect of platform factor (information quality), user factor (bullet screen mutuality), and streamer factors (streamer trustworthiness, streamer expertise, and streamer responsiveness) on perceived information usefulness and arousal, which in turn affect purchase intention. This study also integrates impulsiveness as a moderator. We use structural equation modeling to analyze 430 samples. Our results show that perceived information usefulness and arousal have a significant positive influence on purchase intention. Moreover, impulsiveness moderates the relationship between perceived information usefulness and purchase intention and between arousal and purchase intention. Livestreaming features and streamer characteristics can activate these two mechanisms. This study provides theoretical contributions to livestreaming and the S-O-R literature, as well as practical insights into livestreaming government officials.
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16
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Bailey A, Mujune V. Multi-level change strategies for health: learning from people-centered advocacy in Uganda. Int J Equity Health 2022; 21:143. [PMID: 36171604 PMCID: PMC9520791 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-022-01717-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The paper analyzes how the Accountability Can Transform Health (ACT Health) program activated bottom-up citizen action to secure government responses and more accountable health services in Uganda. The ACT Health program had two phases-Phase 1 focused on a community-level intervention studied with a randomized control trial, and Phase 2 supported citizen-led advocacy targeting government officials across multiple levels. The focus of this paper is an analysis of Phase 2, when the "people-centered advocacy" approach supported almost 400 community advocates representing 98 health facilities to organize, identify joint advocacy priorities, directly monitor health services, and collaborate on health advocacy campaigns in 18 districts. Most district campaigns focused on the complex, power-laden issue of health worker absenteeism. With a few notable exceptions, iterative cycles of engagement between citizens and the state across multiple levels are infrequently discussed in the formal literature on health accountability. METHODS This paper is based on a comparative, inductive, practitioner-led analysis of program monitoring data from 18 multi-level health advocacy campaigns. The findings emerge from analysis of a "Heat Map," capturing grounded accounts of government responses to community-led advocacy. RESULTS Officials in eight out of 18 districts fulfilled or surpassed commitments made to community advocates. Government responses included: increased monitoring, more downward accountability, countering backlash against advocates, applying sanctions for absent health workers, and increased budget allocations. Advocates' bottom-up advocacy worked in part through triggering top-down responses and activating governmental checks and balances. CONCLUSIONS Methodologically, this article demonstrates the value of analyzing process monitoring and program data to understand outcomes from direct engagement between citizens and the state to improve health services. Survey-based research methods and quantitative analysis may fail to capture signs of government responsiveness and relational outcomes (such as subtle signs of shifting power dynamics) many hope to see from citizen-led accountability efforts. Practitioners' perspectives on how accountability for health emerges in practice are important correctives to much positivist research on accountability, which has a tendency to ignore the complex dynamics and processes of building citizen power.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Bailey
- Accountability Research Center, American University School of International Service, Washington, D.C., USA
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Qiu D, He J, Li Y, Li R, Ouyang F, Li L, Luo D, Xiao S. Stressful Life Events and Chronic Fatigue Among Chinese Government Employees: A Population-Based Cohort Study. Front Public Health 2022; 10:890604. [PMID: 35875038 PMCID: PMC9300904 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.890604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Currently, evidence on the role of stressful life events in fatigue among the Chinese working adults is lacking. This study aimed at exploring the prospective associations between stressful life events and chronic fatigue among Chinese government employees. Methods From January 2018 to December 2019, a total of 16206 government employees were included at baseline and they were followed-up until May 2021. A digital self-reported questionnaire platform was established to collect information on participants' health and covariates. Life events were assessed by the Life Events Scale (LES), fatigue was assessed by using a single item, measuring the frequency of its occurrence. Binary logistic regression analysis was used for the data analysis. Results Of the included 16206 Chinese government employees at baseline, 60.45% reported that they experienced negative stressful life events and 43.87% reported that they experienced positive stressful life events over the past year. Fatigue was reported by 7.74% of the sample at baseline and 8.19% at follow-up. Cumulative number of life events at baseline, and cumulative life events severity score at baseline were positively associated with self-reported fatigue at follow up, respectively. After adjusting sociodemographic factors, occupational factors and health behavior related factors, negative life events at baseline (OR: 2.06, 95% CI: 1.69–2.51) were significantly associated with self-reported fatigue at follow-up. Some specific life events including events related to work and events related to economic problems were significantly associated with self-reported fatigue. Specifically, work stress (OR = 1.76, 95%CI: 1.45–2.13), as well as not satisfied with the current job (OR = 1.95, 95%CI: 1.58–2.40), in debt (OR = 1.75, 95%CI: 1.40–2.17) were significantly associated with self-reported fatigue. The economic situation has improved significantly (OR = 0.62, 95%CI: 0.46–0.85) at baseline was significantly associated with lower incidence of self-reported fatigue. Conclusion Negative stressful life events were associated with fatigue among Chinese government employees. Effective interventions should be provided to employees who have experienced negative stressful life events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Qiu
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jun He
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yilu Li
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ruiqi Li
- Lixia Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Jinan, Jinan, China
| | - Feiyun Ouyang
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ling Li
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Dan Luo
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shuiyuan Xiao
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Mental Health Institute, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Shuiyuan Xiao
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Bellandi D, Voelker R. New White House COVID-19 Leader on What's Next. JAMA 2022; 327:2177-2178. [PMID: 35583895 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2022.8541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
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Erchick DJ, Gupta M, Blunt M, Bansal A, Sauer M, Gerste A, Holroyd TA, Wahl B, Santosham M, Limaye RJ. Understanding determinants of vaccine hesitancy and acceptance in India: A qualitative study of government officials and civil society stakeholders. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0269606. [PMID: 35679276 PMCID: PMC9182247 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Few studies have described the drivers of vaccine hesitancy and acceptance in India from the perspective of those involved in the design and implementation of vaccine campaigns–such as government officials and civil society stakeholders–a prerequisite to developing approaches to address this barrier to high immunization coverage and further child health improvements. Methods We conducted a qualitative study to understand government officials and civil society stakeholders’ perceptions of the drivers of vaccine hesitancy in India. We conducted in-depth phone interviews using a structured guide of open-ended questions with 21 participants from international and national non-governmental organizations, professional associations, and universities, and state and national government–six national-level stakeholders in New Delhi, six state-level stakeholders in Uttar Pradesh, six in Kerala, and three in Gujarat–from July 2020 to October 2020. We analyzed data through a multi-stage process following Grounded Theory. We present findings on individual-level, contextual, and vaccine/vaccination program-specific factors influencing vaccine hesitancy. Results We identified multiple drivers and complex ways they influence vaccine beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors from the perspective of government officials and civil society stakeholders involved in vaccine campaigns. Important individual-level influences were low awareness of the benefits of vaccination, safety concerns, especially related to mild adverse events following immunization, and mistrust in government and health service quality. Contextual-level factors included communications, the media environment, and social media, which serves as a major conduit of misinformation and driver of hesitancy, as well as sociodemographic factors–specific drivers varied widely by income, education, urban/rural setting, and across religious and cultural groups. Among vaccine/vaccination-level issues, vaccine program design and delivery and the role of health care professionals emerged as the strongest determinants of hesitancy. Conclusions Drivers of vaccine hesitancy in India, as elsewhere, vary widely by local context; successful interventions should address individual, contextual, and vaccine-specific factors. While previous studies focused on individual-level factors, our study demonstrates the equal importance of contextual and vaccine-specific influences, especially the communication and media environment, influential leaders, sociodemographic factors, and frontline health workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J. Erchick
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Madhu Gupta
- Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Madeleine Blunt
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Adarsh Bansal
- Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Molly Sauer
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- International Vaccine Access Center, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Amelia Gerste
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- International Vaccine Access Center, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Taylor A. Holroyd
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- International Vaccine Access Center, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Brian Wahl
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- International Vaccine Access Center, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Mathuram Santosham
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- International Vaccine Access Center, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Rupali J. Limaye
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- International Vaccine Access Center, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Health, Behavior & Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
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Childress A. Assistant Coach, Advice Columnist, or Seasoned Diplomat: Distinguishing Between Formal, Informal, and "FYI" Ethics Consultations. Am J Bioeth 2022; 22:45-47. [PMID: 35420523 DOI: 10.1080/15265161.2022.2044559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
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Kashiwazaki Y, Matsunaga H, Orita M, Taira Y, Oishi K, Takamura N. Occupational Difficulties of Disaster-Affected Local Government Employees in the Long-Term Recovery Phase after the Fukushima Nuclear Accident: A Cross-Sectional Study Using Modeling Analysis. IJERPH 2022; 19:ijerph19073979. [PMID: 35409662 PMCID: PMC8997478 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19073979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Local government officials play a central role in post-disaster community reconstruction. However, few studies have reported on the actual difficulties during a complex disaster involving a nuclear accident. A self-rated questionnaire survey was administered to a total of 583 public employees in four municipalities around the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station. The relationship between universal occupational factors and radiation disaster-specific factors on job satisfaction and intention to leave the job due to radiation anxiety was evaluated using structural equation modeling. The results showed that interpersonal problems (β = −0.246) and service years (β = −0.127) were related to job satisfaction, whereas radiation-specific factors were not related to job satisfaction, and only to the intention to leave work due to radiation anxiety. A sense of coherence was associated with job satisfaction (β = 0.373) and intention to leave work due to radiation anxiety (β = −0.182), and it served as a moderator of the universal occupational factors and the radiation disaster-specific factors. Therefore, it is suggested that outcomes could be improved through increased stress coping capacity by providing support for relationships and radiation risk communication to public employees during the disaster recovery period.
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22
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Huang Y. The Impact of Government Official Assessment on Ecological Poverty Alleviation: Evidence from Chinese Listed Companies. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:ijerph19063470. [PMID: 35329167 PMCID: PMC8954072 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19063470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Ecological poverty alleviation launched by the Chinese government is an innovative green development measure that combines targeted poverty alleviation with ecological protection to realize the ecological environmental protection and income growth of the impoverished population. Based on the Chinese government’s policy of poverty alleviation assessment for provincial government officials in 2016, this paper studies whether the assessment of government officials promote enterprises’ participation in ecological poverty alleviation. Using the sample of Chinese A-share listed companies from 2016 to 2020, the empirical test shows that the more important the assessment of poverty alleviation by officials, the more likely local enterprises are to participate in targeted poverty alleviation and the higher the investment level is likely to be. The results pass a series of robustness tests. In addition, this paper further finds that enterprise participation in ecological poverty alleviation can effectively reduce local water pollution, air pollution and solid pollution, thus improving the ecological environment. It suggests that the assessment mechanism of Chinese government officials can effectively promote multi-dimensional ecological poverty alleviation. The contributions of this paper are as follows. Firstly, it is helpful to expand the relevant literature on enterprise environmental protection from the perspective of ecological poverty alleviation. Secondly, it is helpful to expand the literature related to government–enterprise interaction from the perspective of the assessment of government officials. Finally, it is helpful to enrich and expand the relevant literatures on promotion incentives of government officials from the perspective of ecological poverty alleviation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujing Huang
- Economics and Management School, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
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Green-McKenzie J, Shofer FS, Matthei J, Biester R, Deibler M. Clinical and Psychological Factors Associated With Return to Work Among United States Diplomats Who Sustained a Work-Related Injury While on Assignment in Havana, Cuba. J Occup Environ Med 2022; 64:212-217. [PMID: 34873135 PMCID: PMC8887843 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine factors associated with return to work in US diplomats injured during a work assignment in Cuba. METHODS In this case series work ability was determined at each visit. Questionnaires used included the Symptom Score Questionnaire, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory, Quality-of-Life Inventory, and Patient Health Questionnaire. RESULTS Of the 45 employees referred to Occupational Medicine, the mean age was 42.5 years, 60% were men, 68% were never out of work, 22% were out of work for some period, and 15% remain out of work. Vestibular, cognitive, hearing, sleep, and visual symptoms, and a higher initial symptom score were significantly associated with work inability while psychiatric symptoms were not. CONCLUSIONS This exposure resulted in prolonged illness with cognitive impairment and other clinical manifestations associated with work inability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Green-McKenzie
- Division of Occupational Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine; Center of Excellence in Environmental Toxicology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Dr Green-McKenzie); Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine (Dr Shofer); SHARP Rees-Stealy Medical Group, San Diego, California (Dr Matthei);University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Dr Matthei); Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Dr Biester); Rehabilitation Medicine Service, Corporal Michael Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Dr Biester); The Center or Emotional Health of Greater Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Dr Deibler)
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Huang YP, Zhang S, Zhang M, Wang Y, Wang WH, Li J, Li C, Lin JN. Gender-specific prevalence of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease among government employees in Tianjin, China: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e056260. [PMID: 34911725 PMCID: PMC8679074 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-056260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore the prevalence and risk factors of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) in Tianjin government employees of different genders. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING Health Management Center of Tianjin Union Medical Center. PARTICIPANTS 16 924 government employees (59.6% male). MEASURES Ultrasound liver examination was performed to determine whether there is fat accumulation in the organ. Participants' weight and height were measured, and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. RESULTS The overall prevalence of MAFLD in this population was 40.76%. The rates were significantly higher in men (49.42%) than in women (27.97%). The prevalence of MAFLD was highest in men aged 40-49 years (54.04%) and women aged 60-69 years (43.44%). In all BMI groups, the prevalence was higher in men than that in women. In both genders, higher BMI was associated with the risk of MAFLD, especially for BMI ≥31.9 kg/m2. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of MAFLD in government employees in Tianjin was significantly higher than the average level in China. The prevalence varied by sex and age group, and those with high BMI were at the highest risk of developing MAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Ping Huang
- Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Department of Endocrinology, Health Management Center, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Nankai University-Affiliated Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Shi Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, Health Management Center, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Nankai University-Affiliated Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Minying Zhang
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, Health Management Center, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Nankai University-Affiliated Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Wen-Hong Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, Health Management Center, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Nankai University-Affiliated Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Endocrinology, Health Management Center, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Nankai University-Affiliated Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Chunjun Li
- Department of Endocrinology, Health Management Center, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Nankai University-Affiliated Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Jing-Na Lin
- Department of Endocrinology, Health Management Center, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Nankai University-Affiliated Hospital, Tianjin, China
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Hamamsy T, Danziger M, Nagler J, Bonneau R. Viewing the US presidential electoral map through the lens of public health. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0254001. [PMID: 34288913 PMCID: PMC8294501 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0254001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Health, disease, and mortality vary greatly at the county level, and there are strong geographical trends of disease in the United States. Healthcare is and has been a top priority for voters in the U.S., and an important political issue. Consequently, it is important to determine what relationship voting patterns have with health, disease, and mortality, as doing so may help guide appropriate policy. We performed a comprehensive analysis of the relationship between voting patterns and over 150 different public health and wellbeing variables at the county level, comparing all states, including counties in 2016 battleground states, and counties in states that flipped from majority Democrat to majority Republican from 2012 to 2016. We also investigated county-level health trends over the last 30+ years and find statistically significant relationships between a number of health measures and the voting patterns of counties in presidential elections. Collectively, these data exhibit a strong pattern: counties that voted Republican in the 2016 election had overall worse health outcomes than those that voted Democrat. We hope that this strong relationship can guide improvements in healthcare policy legislation at the county level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tymor Hamamsy
- Center for Social Media and Politics, NYU, New York, NY, United States of America
- Center for Data Science, New York University, New York, NY, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Michael Danziger
- SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University College of Medicine, Brooklyn, NY, United States of America
| | - Jonathan Nagler
- Center for Social Media and Politics, NYU, New York, NY, United States of America
- Department of Politics, NYU, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Richard Bonneau
- Center for Social Media and Politics, NYU, New York, NY, United States of America
- Center for Data Science, New York University, New York, NY, United States of America
- Center for Computational Biology, Flatiron Institute, Simons Foundation, New York, NY, United States of America
- Department of Biology, New York University, New York, NY, United States of America
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Edwards L, Rutter G, Iverson L, Wilson L, Chadha TS, Wilkinson P, Milojevic A. Personal exposure monitoring of PM 2.5 among US diplomats in Kathmandu during the COVID-19 lockdown, March to June 2020. Sci Total Environ 2021; 772:144836. [PMID: 33770893 PMCID: PMC7980227 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.144836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The 2019 Novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV 2 (COVID-191) pandemic has severely impacted global health, safety, economic development and diplomacy. The government of Nepal issued a lockdown order in the Kathmandu Valley for 80 days from 24 March to 11 June 2020. This paper reports associated changes in ambient PM2.5 measured at fixed-site monitors and changes in personal exposure to PM2.5 monitored by APT Minima by four American diplomats who completed monitoring before and during lockdown (24 h for each period per person, 192 person-hours in total). Time activities and use of home air pollution mitigation measures (use of room air cleaners (RACs), sealing of homes) were recorded by standardized diary. We compared PM2.5 exposure level by microenvironment (home (cooking), home (other activities), at work, commuting, other outdoor environment) in terms of averaged PM2.5 concentration and the contribution to cumulative personal exposure (the product of PM2.5 concentration and time spent in each microenvironment). Ambient PM2.5 measured at fixed-sites in the US Embassy and in Phora Durbar were 38.2% and 46.7% lower than during the corresponding period in 2017-2019. The mean concentration of PM2.5 to which US diplomats were exposed was very much lower than the concentrations of ambient levels measured at fixed site monitors in the city both before and during lockdown. Within-person comparisons suggest personal PM2.5 exposure was 50.0% to 76.7% lower during lockdown than before it. Time spent outdoors and cooking at home were large contributors to cumulative personal exposure. Low indoor levels of PM2.5 were achieved at work and home through use of RACs and measures to seal homes against the ingress of polluted air from outside. Our observations indicate the potential reduction in exposure to PM2.5 with large-scale changes to mainly fossil-fuel related emissions sources and through control of indoor environments and activity patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie Edwards
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, England, United Kingdom.
| | | | | | - Laura Wilson
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Paul Wilkinson
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, England, United Kingdom
| | - Ai Milojevic
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, England, United Kingdom
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Hu C, Luo D, Huang Y, Chen Z, Huang Z, Xiao S. Drinking behavior among government employees in Changsha and its influencing factors. Zhong Nan Da Xue Xue Bao Yi Xue Ban 2021; 46:283-292. [PMID: 33927076 PMCID: PMC10929929 DOI: 10.11817/j.issn.1672-7347.2021.190818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To analyze the prevalence and influencing factors for drinking behavior and heavy drinking among government employees in Changsha and provide a basis for carrying out interventions for drinking behaviors and formulating public health promotion plans for government employees. METHODS Government employees were recruited consecutively from the Health Management Center of a general hospital in Changsha between December 2017 and December 2018. Information on sociodemograpic characteristics, drinking behaviors, life events, and psychosocial characteristics was collected using a standard set of questionnaire. Drinking behavior was defined as drinking once or more per week for the past 12 months. The differences in drinking rates and excessive drinking rates among groups with different characteristics were compared. Multivariate analysis was performed to analyze the associated factors of drinking behaviors and heavy drinking for government employees. RESULTS A total of 6 190 people completed this investigation. The overall drinking rate of government employees in Changsha was 21.9%, and the rate of drinking was higher in males than that in females (44.7% vs 4.0%, P<0.01). Among the participants who drinked, the heavy drinking rates of males and females were 26.4% and 10.1%, respectively, while the harmful drinking rates of males and females were 6.0% and 2.2%, respectively. The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that smoking, below high school education level, frequency of social intercourse ≥ 2 times per week, and having married or the divorced/widowed marital status were associated with alcohol drinking for male governmental employees. While aged 41 to 60 years old, frequency of social intercourse ≥ 2 times per week, life events stimulation ≥8 points were the risk factors for female; male, aged 41 to 60 years old, smoking, frequency of social intercourse≥ 2 times per week, and life events stimulation ≥1 point were the risk factors for heavy drinking. CONCLUSIONS The drinking and heavy drinking rates of government employees are high in Changsha. Marital status, physical exercise, and frequency of social intercourse are the common influencing factors of male drinking behavior and female drinking behavior. The life events stimulation is the influencing factor of heavy drinking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Hu
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha 410078.
| | - Dan Luo
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha 410078.
| | - Yunxiang Huang
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha 410078
| | - Zhiheng Chen
- Health Management Center, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410013
| | - Zhijun Huang
- Clinical Research Center, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Shuiyuan Xiao
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha 410078
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip A Pizzo
- Departments of Pediatrics and Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - David Spiegel
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Michelle M Mello
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
- Stanford Law School, Stanford, California
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Affiliation(s)
- Elvin H Geng
- From the Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, and the Center for Dissemination and Implementation, Institute for Public Health, Washington University, St. Louis
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Lekagul A, Tangcharoensathien V, Liverani M, Mills A, Rushton J, Yeung S. Understanding antibiotic use for pig farming in Thailand: a qualitative study. Antimicrob Resist Infect Control 2021; 10:3. [PMID: 33407887 PMCID: PMC7789695 DOI: 10.1186/s13756-020-00865-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), recognised as a serious and growing threat to global health, is promoted by multiple drivers, including antibiotic use in the livestock sector. Thus, understanding factors influencing antibiotic use in livestock production is essential to the design and implementation of effective interventions to reduce AMR. This qualitative study aimed to explore the experiences and views of the key actors associated with the use of antibiotics for pig farming in Thailand, from local farmers to officers in central government institutions. METHODS A total of 31 in-depth interviews were conducted with different categories of actors: pig farmers (n = 13), drug retailers (n = 5), veterinarians (n = 7), government officers (n = 3) and representatives of animal and human health associations (n = 2). Themes emerging from the interviews were identified and explored using thematic analysis. In addition, direct observations were conducted in the pig farms. RESULTS The findings highlight the multi-faceted nature of the views and practices that may contribute to misuse or overuse of antibiotics in the study locations, including misconceptions about the nature of antibiotics and AMR (particularly among smallholders), lack of facilities and financial means to establish an antibiotic-free farm, lack of sufficient training on AMR and antibiotic prescribing for veterinarians, the profit motive of pharmaceutical companies and their ties to farm consultants, and lack of sufficient regulatory oversight. CONCLUSIONS Our study indicates a clear need to improve antibiotic use for pig production in Thailand. Farmers need better access to veterinary services and reliable information about animal health needs and antibiotics. Innovative investments in biosecurity could improve farm management and decrease reliance on antibiotics, although the cost of these interventions should be low to ensure wide uptake in the livestock sector. Lastly, further development of professional training and clinical guidelines, and the establishment of a code of conduct, would help improve antibiotic dispensing practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angkana Lekagul
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
- International Health Policy Programme, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand.
| | | | - Marco Liverani
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
- Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Anne Mills
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Jonathan Rushton
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Shunmay Yeung
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Takeyama N, Moriyama M, Kazawa K, Steenkamp M, Rahman MM. A Health Guidance App to Improve Motivation, Adherence to Lifestyle Changes and Indicators of Metabolic Disturbances among Japanese Civil Servants. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2020; 17:ijerph17218147. [PMID: 33158239 PMCID: PMC7662815 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17218147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
We investigated whether an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) application (app) motivated to increase adherence to lifestyle changes, and to improve indicators of metabolic disturbances among Japanese civil servants. A non-randomized, open-label, parallel-group study was conducted with 102 participants aged 20–65 years undergoing a health check during 2016–2017, having overweight and/or elevated glucose concentration. Among them, 63 participants chose Specific Health Guidance (SHG) and ongoing support incorporating the use of an app (ICT group) and 39 individuals chose only SHG (control group). Fifty from the ICT group and 38 from the control group completed the study. After completing the 6-month program, the control group showed a significant decrease in body mass index (p = 0.008), male waist circumference (p < 0.001), systolic blood pressure (BP) (p = 0.005), diastolic BP (p < 0.001), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (p < 0.001), and increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (p = 0.008). However, the ICT group showed a significant decrease in male waist circumference (p < 0.001), diastolic BP (p = 0.003), and HbA1c (p < 0.001), and increase in HDL cholesterol (p = 0.032). The magnitude of change for most indicators tended to be highest for ICT participants (used the app ≥5 times/month). Both groups reported raised awareness on BP and weight. The app use program did not have a major impact after the observation period. Proper action requires frequent use of the app to enhance best results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoko Takeyama
- Division of Nursing Science, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan; (M.M.); (K.K.); (M.S.)
- Correspondence: (N.T.); (M.M.R.)
| | - Michiko Moriyama
- Division of Nursing Science, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan; (M.M.); (K.K.); (M.S.)
| | - Kana Kazawa
- Division of Nursing Science, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan; (M.M.); (K.K.); (M.S.)
| | - Malinda Steenkamp
- Division of Nursing Science, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan; (M.M.); (K.K.); (M.S.)
- Torrens Resilience Institute, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia
| | - Md Moshiur Rahman
- Division of Nursing Science, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan; (M.M.); (K.K.); (M.S.)
- Correspondence: (N.T.); (M.M.R.)
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Rubin EJ, Baden LR, Morrissey S. Audio Interview: Covid-19 and the President. N Engl J Med 2020; 383:e104. [PMID: 33027580 DOI: 10.1056/nejme2031183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle M Mello
- Stanford Law School and Stanford Health Policy, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Jeremy A Greene
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
- Department of the History of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Joshua M Sharfstein
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
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Abstract
He was born in Chicago, Illinois, USA, but his family is Cuban. After 1959, they returned to the island, where Dr Mitchell Valdés received his medical degree at the University of Havana in 1972. He went on to study clinical neurophysiology, earning his PhD with a dissertation on the auditory system's sensory physiology.
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Verma R, Swanson RL, Parker D, Ould Ismail AA, Shinohara RT, Alappatt JA, Doshi J, Davatzikos C, Gallaway M, Duda D, Chen HI, Kim JJ, Gur RC, Wolf RL, Grady MS, Hampton S, Diaz-Arrastia R, Smith DH. Neuroimaging Findings in US Government Personnel With Possible Exposure to Directional Phenomena in Havana, Cuba. JAMA 2019; 322:336-347. [PMID: 31334794 PMCID: PMC6652163 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2019.9269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE United States government personnel experienced potential exposures to uncharacterized directional phenomena while serving in Havana, Cuba, from late 2016 through May 2018. The underlying neuroanatomical findings have not been described. OBJECTIVE To examine potential differences in brain tissue volume, microstructure, and functional connectivity in government personnel compared with individuals not exposed to directional phenomena. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Forty government personnel (patients) who were potentially exposed and experienced neurological symptoms underwent evaluation at a US academic medical center from August 21, 2017, to June 8, 2018, including advanced structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging analytics. Findings were compared with imaging findings of 48 demographically similar healthy controls. EXPOSURES Potential exposure to uncharacterized directional phenomena of unknown etiology, manifesting as pressure, vibration, or sound. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Potential imaging-based differences between patients and controls with regard to (1) white matter and gray matter total and regional brain volumes, (2) cerebellar tissue microstructure metrics (eg, mean diffusivity), and (3) functional connectivity in the visuospatial, auditory, and executive control subnetworks. RESULTS Imaging studies were completed for 40 patients (mean age, 40.4 years; 23 [57.5%] men; imaging performed a median of 188 [range, 4-403] days after initial exposure) and 48 controls (mean age, 37.6 years; 33 [68.8%] men). Mean whole brain white matter volume was significantly smaller in patients compared with controls (patients: 542.22 cm3; controls: 569.61 cm3; difference, -27.39 [95% CI, -37.93 to -16.84] cm3; P < .001), with no significant difference in the whole brain gray matter volume (patients: 698.55 cm3; controls: 691.83 cm3; difference, 6.72 [95% CI, -4.83 to 18.27] cm3; P = .25). Among patients compared with controls, there were significantly greater ventral diencephalon and cerebellar gray matter volumes and significantly smaller frontal, occipital, and parietal lobe white matter volumes; significantly lower mean diffusivity in the inferior vermis of the cerebellum (patients: 7.71 × 10-4 mm2/s; controls: 8.98 × 10-4 mm2/s; difference, -1.27 × 10-4 [95% CI, -1.93 × 10-4 to -6.17 × 10-5] mm2/s; P < .001); and significantly lower mean functional connectivity in the auditory subnetwork (patients: 0.45; controls: 0.61; difference, -0.16 [95% CI, -0.26 to -0.05]; P = .003) and visuospatial subnetwork (patients: 0.30; controls: 0.40; difference, -0.10 [95% CI, -0.16 to -0.04]; P = .002) but not in the executive control subnetwork (patients: 0.24; controls: 0.25; difference: -0.016 [95% CI, -0.04 to 0.01]; P = .23). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Among US government personnel in Havana, Cuba, with potential exposure to directional phenomena, compared with healthy controls, advanced brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed significant differences in whole brain white matter volume, regional gray and white matter volumes, cerebellar tissue microstructural integrity, and functional connectivity in the auditory and visuospatial subnetworks but not in the executive control subnetwork. The clinical importance of these differences is uncertain and may require further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ragini Verma
- DiCIPHR (Diffusion and Connectomics in Precision Healthcare Research) Lab, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia
- Center for Biomedical Image Computing and Analytics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
- Center for Brain Injury and Repair, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Randel L. Swanson
- Center for Brain Injury and Repair, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia
- Center for Neurotrauma, Neurodegeneration, and Restoration, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Rehabilitation Medicine Service, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Drew Parker
- DiCIPHR (Diffusion and Connectomics in Precision Healthcare Research) Lab, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia
- Center for Biomedical Image Computing and Analytics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Abdol Aziz Ould Ismail
- DiCIPHR (Diffusion and Connectomics in Precision Healthcare Research) Lab, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia
- Center for Biomedical Image Computing and Analytics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Russell T. Shinohara
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia
| | - Jacob A. Alappatt
- DiCIPHR (Diffusion and Connectomics in Precision Healthcare Research) Lab, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia
- Center for Biomedical Image Computing and Analytics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Jimit Doshi
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia
- Center for Biomedical Image Computing and Analytics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
- Section for Biomedical Image Analysis, Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Christos Davatzikos
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia
- Center for Biomedical Image Computing and Analytics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
- Section for Biomedical Image Analysis, Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Michael Gallaway
- Department of Optometry, Salus University, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania
| | - Diana Duda
- Good Shepherd Penn Partners, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - H. Isaac Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia
- Center for Neurotrauma, Neurodegeneration, and Restoration, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Junghoon J. Kim
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Biomedical Sciences, CUNY School of Medicine, City College of New York, New York
| | - Ruben C. Gur
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia
| | - Ronald L. Wolf
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia
- Center for Brain Injury and Repair, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - M. Sean Grady
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia
- Center for Brain Injury and Repair, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Stephen Hampton
- Center for Brain Injury and Repair, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia
| | - Ramon Diaz-Arrastia
- Center for Brain Injury and Repair, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia
| | - Douglas H. Smith
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia
- Center for Brain Injury and Repair, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
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Abstract
In today's globalized world, scientific endeavor and its conclusions rest more than ever on dialogue and the ability to critically assess a full and transparent array of evidence, to maximize opportunities for accuracy and truth to prevail.
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Devi S. Macron's Grand Débat speech falls short for health sector. Lancet 2019; 393:1793. [PMID: 31057155 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(19)31002-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Affiliation(s)
- Khameer Kidia
- From Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston
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Forastiere F, Ancona C. [German pulmonologists, American scientists, and Italian ministers: denial of atmospheric pollution becomes international!]. Epidemiol Prev 2019; 43:116. [PMID: 31293124 DOI: 10.19191/ep19.2-3.p116.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Carla Ancona
- Dipartimento di epidemiologia del Sistema sanitario regionale, Regione Lazio, Asl Roma 1, Roma
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Nicholas CL, Mau H. Where to from here? Blue passports, family, career-and Donald Trump. J Lesbian Stud 2018; 23:119-139. [PMID: 30560725 DOI: 10.1080/10894160.2018.1504533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
In this essay, we offer our stories of family and migration under a Donald Trump presidency. We are a lesbian couple; one of us is a citizen of the United States while the other is a citizen of a Muslim country. We use autoethnographic methods to explore and interrogate our "messy and fabulous" journey of liminality; our journey of belonging and exclusion, where we grapple with issues related to sexuality, family, career, and citizenship. Our "voices" are used both individually and in unison, to highlight our intersectional and relational selves. We intend this work to contribute to the many ways we can better understand and appreciate the bountiful and colorful vistas of lesbian families' migrant experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Heidi Mau
- b Department of Communications , Albright College , Reading , PA , USA
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Hunter RF, Murray JM, Gough A, Tang J, Patterson CC, French DP, McIntosh E, Xin Y, Kee F. Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a loyalty scheme for physical activity behaviour change maintenance: results from a cluster randomised controlled trial. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2018; 15:127. [PMID: 30541563 PMCID: PMC6291971 DOI: 10.1186/s12966-018-0758-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We evaluated the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a loyalty scheme based intervention involving rewards for increasing physical activity in public sector employees. METHODS A cluster randomised wait-list controlled trial in public sector organisations in Northern Ireland. We randomly assigned clusters (1:1) using a computer generated random sequence. Researchers were masked to allocation, but participants were not. Employees aged 18-65 years with no self-reported medical contraindications to physical activity were included. The Physical Activity Loyalty Scheme (PAL) intervention was based on high-street loyalty cards where participants earned points for minutes of activity that could be redeemed for rewards, complemented by evidence-based behaviour change techniques. The primary outcome was objectively measured mean steps/day at 6 months using a validated pedometer (Yamax Digi-Walker CW-701) over 7 days, assessed with intention to treat analysis. Secondary outcomes included health, mental wellbeing, quality of life, work absenteeism and presenteeism, and use of healthcare resources. Cost-effectiveness, cost-benefit and mediation analyses were conducted. Trial registered with Current Controlled Trials, number ISRCTN17975376. RESULTS Between September 2014 and October 2015, we recruited and randomly assigned 37 clusters (from nine organisations; mean clusters per organisation = four) and 853 participants to the intervention (n = 19 with 457 participants) or control group (n = 18 with 396 participants). Primary outcome data were available for 249 (54·4%) intervention and 236 (59·6%) control participants. Mean steps/day were significantly lower in the intervention vs control group (adjusted mean difference = - 336, 95% CI: -612 to - 60, p = 0·02) at 6 months. Participants redeemed only 39% (SD 43%) of their earned points. Using the Quality Adjusted Life Year outcome, the intervention was not cost effective from an NHS/PSS perspective. A net cost analysis from an employer perspective demonstrated the intervention group was associated with a mean of 2·97 h less absenteeism over a 4 week period (p = 0·62), which could result in net savings ranging from £66 to £735 depending on the wage rate employed. At 4-weeks post-baseline there were significant increases in identified regulation, integrated regulation, intrinsic motivation, social norms and intentions in intervention compared to control participants. CONCLUSIONS Our mixed results pose challenges that are too infrequently exposed in public heath intervention trials. Although the intervention successfully altered several hypothesised mediating constructs it did not translate into long-term behaviour change. Our incentive level may have been too low to incentivise change, despite being designed a priori by a Contingent Valuation Survey. There were also major re-structuring of several organisations which presented significant implementation challenges, and technical limitations. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN17975376 (Registered 19/09/2014).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth F. Hunter
- UKCRC Centre of Excellence for Public Health Research (NI)/Centre for Public Health, Queen’s University Belfast, Grosvenor Road, Belfast, BT12 6BJ Northern Ireland
| | - Jennifer M. Murray
- UKCRC Centre of Excellence for Public Health Research (NI)/Centre for Public Health, Queen’s University Belfast, Grosvenor Road, Belfast, BT12 6BJ Northern Ireland
| | - Aisling Gough
- UKCRC Centre of Excellence for Public Health Research (NI)/Centre for Public Health, Queen’s University Belfast, Grosvenor Road, Belfast, BT12 6BJ Northern Ireland
| | - Jianjun Tang
- UKCRC Centre of Excellence for Public Health Research (NI)/Centre for Public Health, Queen’s University Belfast, Grosvenor Road, Belfast, BT12 6BJ Northern Ireland
- School of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, Renmin University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Christopher C. Patterson
- UKCRC Centre of Excellence for Public Health Research (NI)/Centre for Public Health, Queen’s University Belfast, Grosvenor Road, Belfast, BT12 6BJ Northern Ireland
| | - David P. French
- School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, England
| | - Emma McIntosh
- Health Economics and Health Technology Assessment, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland
| | - Yiqiao Xin
- Health Economics and Health Technology Assessment, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland
| | - Frank Kee
- UKCRC Centre of Excellence for Public Health Research (NI)/Centre for Public Health, Queen’s University Belfast, Grosvenor Road, Belfast, BT12 6BJ Northern Ireland
| | - on behalf of the Physical Activity Loyalty (PAL) Study team
- UKCRC Centre of Excellence for Public Health Research (NI)/Centre for Public Health, Queen’s University Belfast, Grosvenor Road, Belfast, BT12 6BJ Northern Ireland
- School of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, Renmin University of China, Beijing, China
- School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, England
- Health Economics and Health Technology Assessment, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland
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Allen MP. Chronicling the Risk and Risk Communication by Governmental Officials During the Zika Threat. Risk Anal 2018; 38:2507-2513. [PMID: 30419154 DOI: 10.1111/risa.13232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2017] [Revised: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 10/12/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The unique circumstances surrounding Zika, including the fact that it is both mosquito-borne and sexually transmissible, brought to the fore concerns about optimal ways to communicate risk in an environment characterized by rapidly evolving knowledge. The difficulty in doing so is magnified by the fact that science-based health messages from governmental agencies must be developed in an evidence-based, audience-participative, and collaborative manner. A recent reminder in JAMA asserted the importance of preparing now for future threats. Understanding how the knowledge and messaging about Zika changed across time should help public health officials prepare for such challenges.
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He J, Yang B, Dong M, Wang Y. Crossing the roof of the world: Trade in medicinal plants from Nepal to China. J Ethnopharmacol 2018; 224:100-110. [PMID: 29705517 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2018.04.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Revised: 04/22/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Trade in medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) between Nepal and China has taken place for centuries along the Tibetan border. While there is anecdotal evidence that economic development in China over the past decades, coupled with regional infrastructure development and increasing market integration, has substantially changed this trade, there are no current published studies investigating this, e.g. in terms of species and market structure. This knowledge gap impedes the development of public interventions, e.g. in support of sustainable trade. AIM OF THIS STUDY The primary objective of this study is to provide the first informative insights into the Nepal-China trade in MAPs, with particular emphasis on the value chain in Tibet. METHODS AND MATERIALS Data was collected from December 2015 to August 2016 in Nepal and Tibet. The data collection included standardized questionnaires to understand and map the value chain of MAPs, including the actors involved and key governance issues. Data was collected from Katmandu-based MAPs wholesalers exporting from Nepal to China, (n = 6) and with regional wholesalers (n = 40) based in Tibet. The questionnaires contained quantitative and qualitative components focusing on key elements of the MAPs value chain, e.g. the traded species and their values. This was augmented with qualitative interviews with Lhasa-based processors (n = 4) and government officials (n = 12) working in border controls, customs, and/or drug administration. We also collected official statistics on the Nepal-China MAPs trade and conducted a workshop in Lhasa with traders and government officials to discuss the nature of the Nepal-China MAPs trade. RESULTS The Nepal-China MAPs trade boomed after 2011 when the value of traded plants increased more than nine-fold. This rapid increase reflected both a broader species composition and higher unit prices in response to increasing demand from China. The trade expansion was also driven by increasing demand in China and facilitated by improved infrastructure in Nepal and Tibet, including direct flight connections for the transport of high-value products. Official records on both sides of the border under-document both the value and the volume of the trade, implying that much of it is extra-legal. The value chain is thus governed by both legal and extra-legal mechanisms. CONCLUSION This study provides the first structured overview of the current trade in commercial MAPs from Nepal to China. While the trade is thriving, growing in both volume and value to the benefit of producers in Nepal and consumers in China, there is little empirical data or research to support policy formulation on sustainable trading. This study provides informative insights into the value chain and makes public policy recommendations to increase the transparency and sustainability of trade by improving traditional border markets and removing market barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun He
- National Centre for Borderland Ethnic Studies in Southwest China, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, China; School of Ethnology and Sociology, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, China.
| | - Bin Yang
- Center for China-Africa Agriculture and Forestry Research, Zhejiang Agriculture & Forestry University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Min Dong
- Academy of Forest Inventory and Planning, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming 650224, China
| | - Yunshang Wang
- Institute of International Studies, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, China
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Gabel CP, Mokhtarinia HR, Hoffman J, Osborne J, Laakso EL, Melloh M. Does the performance of five back-associated exercises relate to the presence of low back pain? A cross-sectional observational investigation in regional Australian council workers. BMJ Open 2018; 8:e020946. [PMID: 30093512 PMCID: PMC6089271 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-020946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Investigate the relationships between the ability/inability to perform five physical test exercises and the presence or absence of low back pain (LBP). SETTING Regional Australian council training facility. PARTICIPANTS Consecutive participants recruited during 39 back education classes (8-26 participants per class) for workers in general office/administration, parks/gardens maintenance, roads maintenance, library, child care and management. Total sample (n=539) was reduced through non-consent and insufficient demographic data to n=422. Age 38.6±15.3 years, range 18-64 years, 67.1% male. METHODS Cross-sectional, exploratory, observational investigation. LBP presence was ascertained from a three-response option questionnaire: 0=none/rarely (no) 1=sometimes (some), 2=mostly/always (most). Statistical correlation was performed with the number of the five test exercises the individual successfully performed: (1) extension in lying: 3 s; (2) 'toilet squat'; feet flat, feet touched: 3 s; (3) full squat then stand up: 5 times; (4) supine sit-up, knees flexed: 10 times; and (5) leg extension, supine bilateral: 10 times. INTERVENTIONS Nil. RESULTS For the group 'no-some', 94.3% completed 4-5 test exercises, while for group 'With', 95.7% completed 0-1 test exercises. The relationship between LBP presence and number of exercises performed was highly significant (χ2(10)=300.61, p<0.001). Furthermore, multinomial logistic regression predicting LBP (0=no, 1=some, 2=most) from the number of exercises completed, substantially improved the model fit (initial-2LL=348.246, final-2LL=73.620, χ2(2)=274.626, p<0.001). As the number of exercises performed increased, the odds of reporting 'some LBP' or 'most LBP' dropped substantially (ORs of 0.34 and 0.17, respectively). CONCLUSION The ability to complete/not complete five test exercises correlated statistically and significantly with a higher LBP absence/presence in a general working population. Training individuals to complete such exercises could facilitate reductions in LBP incidence; however, causality cannot be inferred. Randomised trials are recommended to establish the potential efficacy of exercise-based approaches, considering these five selected exercises, for predicting and managing LBP.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hamid Reza Mokhtarinia
- Department of Ergonomics, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jonathan Hoffman
- Human Movement, Independent Private Researcher, Placencia Village, Belize
| | - Jason Osborne
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA
- Department of Public Health Science, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA
| | - E-Liisa Laakso
- School of Allied Health Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
- Mater Research, Mater Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Markus Melloh
- School of Health Professions, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Winterthur, Switzerland
- Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- UWA Medical School, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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