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Clinical Obesity Jun 2022COVID-19 has been associated with worse outcomes in people living with obesity and has altered how people can engage with weight management. However, the impact of risk...
COVID-19 has been associated with worse outcomes in people living with obesity and has altered how people can engage with weight management. However, the impact of risk perceptions and changes to daily life on weight loss has not been explored. This study aimed to examine how COVID-19 and perception of risk interacted with weight loss attempts in adults participating in a behavioural weight management programme. Forty-eight participants completed a semi-structured interview exploring the impact of COVID-19 on their weight management experience. Interviews were completed via telephone and analysed using a thematic approach. Reaction to perceived risk varied, but most participants reported the knowledge of increased risk promoted anxiety and avoidance behaviours. Despite this, many reported it as a motivating factor for weight loss. Restrictions both helped (e.g., reduced temptation) and hindered their weight loss (e.g., less support). However, there was consensus that the changes to everyday life meant participants had more time to engage with and take control of their weight loss. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to explore the impact of COVID-19 on participation in a weight management programme started during the pandemic in the United Kingdom. Restrictions had varying impacts on participant's weight loss. How risk is perceived and reported to participants is an important factor influencing engagement with weight management. The framing of health information needs to be considered carefully to encourage engagement with weight management to mitigate risk. Additionally, the impact of restrictions and personal well-being are key considerations for weight management programmes.
Topics: Adult; COVID-19; Humans; Obesity; Pandemics; Qualitative Research; United Kingdom; Weight Loss
PubMed: 35194943
DOI: 10.1111/cob.12512 -
Vaccine Nov 2019Alongside the clinical aspects of the immunogenicity and safety trial of an Ebola vaccine deployed among front-line workers, a qualitative study was conducted to...
BACKGROUND
Alongside the clinical aspects of the immunogenicity and safety trial of an Ebola vaccine deployed among front-line workers, a qualitative study was conducted to describe motivations behind individuals' decisions to participate - or not to participate - in the study.
METHODS
In July and August 2015, focus group discussions and semi-structured individual interviews were conducted in Conakry, Guinea. Individuals were eligible for the qualitative study if they met the inclusion criteria of the immunogenicity and safety study irrespective of their participation. Surveys were also conducted among several institution and department heads of staff included in the study as well as vaccine trial staff members. Discussion and interview transcripts were analyzed using content thematic analysis.
RESULTS
Interviews and focus groups were conducted among 110 persons, of whom about two-thirds (67%) participated in the vaccine trial. There was at least one group interview conducted at each participating trial site, along with numerous formal and informal interviews and conversations through the enrollment period. Participants were often motivated by a desire to save and protect themselves and others, contribute to scientific progress, or lead by example. Non-participants expressed concerns regarding the risk and costs of participation, particularly the fear of unknown side effects following vaccination, and distrust or fear of stigmatization.
CONCLUSIONS
Despite the unique nature of the 2014-2015 Ebola outbreak, front-line workers employed much of the same logic when choosing to participate as in other clinical trials in similar settings. Special consideration should be given to addressing perceived inequity, misunderstanding, and mistrust among the target populations in future trials. Clinical trial registry number: This trial is registered with the Pan African Clinical Trials Registry, number PACTR201503001057193.
Topics: Adult; Ebola Vaccines; Factor Analysis, Statistical; Female; Guinea; Health Personnel; Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Patient Participation; Qualitative Research; Research Design; Risk Factors; Vaccination; Young Adult
PubMed: 31623917
DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2019.09.094 -
Physiotherapy Canada. Physiotherapie... 2014To explore communication-related experiences with accessing and participating in community-based exercise programmes from the perspective of adults with post-stroke...
PURPOSE
To explore communication-related experiences with accessing and participating in community-based exercise programmes from the perspective of adults with post-stroke aphasia.
METHODS
Adults with mild to severe post-stroke aphasia were recruited from the Aphasia Institute (AI), Toronto, Canada, for a qualitative descriptive study using semi-structured, in-depth one-on-one interviews. Participants were asked to identify facilitators of, barriers to, and strategies for joining and participating in exercise programmes. Interview data were analyzed using conventional content analysis.
RESULTS
Ten adults with mild (40%), moderate (40%), or severe (20%) aphasia participated in this study. The majority of participants were men (60%) aged 60-69 years (40%). Participants experienced a combination of communication, environmental, and personal facilitators of and barriers to accessing and participating in community-based exercise programmes. Strategies to enhance participation can be applied at both programme and individual levels.
CONCLUSIONS
Findings may inform clinical practice and programming to optimize access to and participation in community-based exercise programmes for adults with post-stroke aphasia.
PubMed: 25922558
DOI: 10.3138/ptc.2013-70 -
Journal of Clinical and Translational... 2022Although one of the fastest-growing populations in the USA, Latinx individuals remain underrepresented in research. In this study, we aimed to identify how Latina/Latinx...
BACKGROUND
Although one of the fastest-growing populations in the USA, Latinx individuals remain underrepresented in research. In this study, we aimed to identify how Latina/Latinx participants of the Environment, Leiomyomas, Latinas, and Adiposity Study (ELLAS) learned about the research study and what motivated them to participate.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Using a standardized survey tool, bilingual staff interviewed participants and asked them, 1) how they heard about ELLAS and 2) to identify and rank their top three reasons for participating in ELLAS.
RESULTS
"Word of mouth" through a friend or relative was the most common method of learning about ELLAS (49.0%), followed by a "community outreach event" (29.3%). The three most common reasons for participating in ELLAS were "to learn more about women's health" (83.3%), "to receive a free health assessment" (79.4%), and "to contribute to scientific knowledge" (59.5%). Correlation between demographic and socioeconomic characteristics and participant responses indicated that there are different reasons for participation based on these factors.
CONCLUSIONS
Community engagement and word of mouth are vital to the successful recruitment of Latina/Latinx participants to research studies. Latinx participants are most motivated to participate by health benefits and health education, as well as altruistic aspects of research studies. Therefore, establishing mutually beneficial relationships within Latinx communities and appealing to motivations for research participation with close attention to the demographics of participants can both expand and allow for targeted recruitment efforts for this underrepresented group in research studies.
PubMed: 35574152
DOI: 10.1017/cts.2022.10 -
PloS One 2022Only a small proportion of COVID-19 patients in Canada have been recruited into clinical research studies. One reason is that few community intensive care units (ICUs)...
Only a small proportion of COVID-19 patients in Canada have been recruited into clinical research studies. One reason is that few community intensive care units (ICUs) in Canada participate in research. The objective of this study was to examine the motivating factors, barriers and facilitators to research participation amongst Canadian community ICU stakeholders. A cross-sectional online survey was distributed between May and November 2020. The survey focused on 6 domains: participant demographics, ICU characteristics, ICU research infrastructure, motivating factors, perceived barriers, and perceived facilitators. Responses were received from 73 community ICU stakeholders, representing 18 ICUs. 7/18 ICUs had a clinical research program. Participants rated their interest in pandemic research at a mean of 5.2 (Standard Deviation [SD] = 1.9) on a 7-point Likert scale from 'not interested' to 'very interested'. The strongest motivating factor for research participation was the belief that research improves clinical care and outcomes. The most significant facilitators of research involvement were the availability of an experienced research coordinator and dedicated external funding to cover start-up costs, while the most significant barriers to research involvement were a lack of start-up funding for a research coordinator and a lack of ICU research experience. Canadian Community ICU stakeholders are interested in participating in pandemic research but lack basic infrastructure, research personnel, research experience and start-up funding. Evolution of a research support model at community hospitals, where most patients receive acute care, may increase research participation and improve the generalizability of funded research in Canada.
Topics: COVID-19; Canada; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Intensive Care Units; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 35476678
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0266770 -
Nutrients Oct 2022This study aims to describe reasons for discontinuing participation and experiences participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special...
This study aims to describe reasons for discontinuing participation and experiences participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) during the COVID-19 pandemic. We analyzed data from a cross-sectional online survey distributed to a national sample, restricted to (1) households that discontinued participating in SNAP (n = 146) or WIC (n = 149) during the pandemic and (2) households that participated in SNAP (n = 501) or WIC (n = 141) during spring 2021-approximately one year into the pandemic. We conducted thematic analyses of open-ended survey questions and descriptive statistics for Likert-scale items. Themes raised by respondents who discontinued participating in SNAP or WIC included difficulty recertifying and virus exposure concerns. Former WIC participants reported the program was not worth the effort and former SNAP participants reported failing to requalify. Respondents participating in WIC or SNAP during the pandemic mentioned transportation barriers and insufficient benefit value. WIC participants had trouble redeeming benefits in stores and SNAP participants desired improved online grocery purchasing experiences. These results suggest that enhancements to WIC and SNAP, such as expanded online purchasing options, program flexibilities, and benefit increases, can improve program participation to ensure access to critical nutrition supports, especially during emergencies.
Topics: Child; Infant; Humans; Female; Food Assistance; Pandemics; Food Supply; COVID-19; Cross-Sectional Studies; Poverty
PubMed: 36364785
DOI: 10.3390/nu14214524 -
Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine Jan 2018Sport specialization has been associated with overuse injuries and is more common in larger high schools, which are often located in more urban/suburban settings....
BACKGROUND
Sport specialization has been associated with overuse injuries and is more common in larger high schools, which are often located in more urban/suburban settings. However, sport participation characteristics have not been compared between suburban and rural high schools.
PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS
The purpose of this study was to examine the differences in sport participation characteristics between athletes at suburban and rural high schools. It was hypothesized that suburban high school students would be more likely to be highly specialized, participate in more athletic competitions per year, and play in a league outside of school. We also hypothesized that suburban high school students would start playing their primary sport at a younger age, would have participated in their primary sport for longer, and would play more months per year and hours per week.
STUDY DESIGN
Cross-sectional study.
METHODS
High school athletes from 4 high schools (2 suburban and 2 rural) participated in this study (N = 354 [222 females]; mean age, 15.7 ± 1.2 years). Athletes were on a school-sponsored athletic team in 1 of 4 sports (volleyball, tennis, basketball, soccer). The suburban schools (study enrollment, n = 226) had total school enrollments of 2271 and 622 students, while the rural schools (study enrollment, n = 128) had total school enrollments of 443 and 297. Participants completed a questionnaire prior to the start of their high school sport season. The questionnaire consisted of demographic information, a sport specialization scale, and sport participation information. Primary sport competition volume in the previous 12 months was classified as high (>60 primary sport competitions), moderate (30-60), or low (<30). Sport specialization status was classified via a 3-point scale as low, moderate, or high.
RESULTS
As compared with athletes at rural schools, athletes at suburban schools started playing their primary sport at a younger age (suburban, 7.8 ± 2.9 years; rural, 9.7 ± 3.2 years; < .001) and participated for more years (suburban, 7.9 ± 3.1 years; rural, 6.1 ± 3.3 years; < .001), more months per year (suburban, 7.6 ± 3.6 months; rural, 5.6 ± 2.8 months; < .001), and more hours per week (suburban, 15.2 ± 5.1 hours; rural, 12.9 ± 3.3 hours; < .001). Athletes at suburban schools were more likely than rural athletes to be classified as highly specialized (χ = 52.5, < .001), participate in more competitions (χ = 16.5, < .001), play in a league outside of school (χ = 18.4, < .001), and train in their primary sport for >8 months per year (χ = 27.8, < .001) and >16 hours per week (χ = 15.0, < .001).
CONCLUSION
High school athletes at suburban schools are more likely to exhibit sport participation patterns that are associated with increased risk of overuse injury. These include being classified as highly specialized, playing their primary sport >8 months per year and >16 hours per week, engaging in a high competition volume, and participating in a sport league (eg, club) outside of school. Efforts aimed at safe sport participation should target these groups, as they seem more likely to violate safe sport recommendations.
PubMed: 29376086
DOI: 10.1177/2325967117751386 -
BMC Medical Research Methodology May 2020Enrolment in a research study requires the participant's informed consent. In the case of minors, informed consent of the respective legal guardian is obtained in...
BACKGROUND
Enrolment in a research study requires the participant's informed consent. In the case of minors, informed consent of the respective legal guardian is obtained in conjunction with informed assent of the underage p articipant. Since comprehension of the information provided may be limited, effective interventions to improve understanding should be identified. Thus, it is the objective of this study to review quantitative studies that tested interventions to improve the understanding of information provided during assent processes in health research. The studied population consisted of minors that participated or were willing to participate in research. The primary outcome was the level of comprehension after intervention.
METHODS
A systematic search was conducted in eleven databases including regional databases: PubMed, Web of Science, ERIC, PsycINFO, CINAHL, POPLINE, AIM, LILACS, WPRIM, IMSEAR, and IMEMR and included references from inception of the database until July 2018 except PubMed which spanned the period from May 2013 to July 2018. Search terms focused on Informed Consent/Assent, Minors, and Comprehension. To complement the search, reference lists of retrieved publications were additionally searched. We included all quantitative studies that were conducted in minors, tested an intervention, covered assent processes in health research, and assessed comprehension. One reviewer screened titles, abstracts, and full-texts to determine eligibility and collected data on study design, population, intervention, methods, outcome, and for critical appraisal. Interventions comprised enhanced paper forms, interspersed questions, multimedia format, and others.
RESULTS
Out of 7089 studies initially identified, 19 studies comprising 2805 participants and conducted in seven countries were included in the review. Fourteen studies (74 %) tested an intervention against control and ten (53 %) were randomized controlled trials. Heterogeneous methodology as well as incomplete outcome and statistical reporting impaired the reliability of the collected data. Positive effects were suggested for use of enhanced paper forms, interspersed questions, use of pie charts, and organizational factors.
CONCLUSIONS
Improving assent in health research is an under-researched area with little reliable evidence. While some interventions are proposed to improve understanding in assent processes, further investigation is necessary to be able to give evidence-based recommendations.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
PROSPERO ID: 106808.
Topics: Comprehension; Humans; Informed Consent; Reproducibility of Results; Research Design
PubMed: 32404063
DOI: 10.1186/s12874-020-01000-3 -
PloS One 2023Transmission of human cytomegalovirus (CMV), from a pregnant woman to her fetus can cause congenital CMV infection, with life-long problems in some infected children.... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
Transmission of human cytomegalovirus (CMV), from a pregnant woman to her fetus can cause congenital CMV infection, with life-long problems in some infected children. The presence of CMV in an infected individual's bodily fluid is known as shedding. An individual can become infected with CMV through contact with another individual who is shedding CMV in their bodily fluid, and the avoidance of contact with infected fluids may reduce the risk of infection. We explored the experiences of pregnant women taking part in a study investigating CMV shedding, to identify the potential facilitators and barriers towards engaging pregnant women with CMV risk-reduction measures. Twenty pregnant women participated in semi-structured, end-of-study, telephone interviews, analysed using thematic analysis. They participated in an observational study investigating CMV shedding in pregnant women previously infected with CMV living with young children. Participating women considered that CMV testing of themselves and their newborns was a benefit of participation, without raising additional concerns. They identified that their participation was contingent on a balance of convenience and inconvenience, and benefits and risks. Participation increased their awareness of their hygiene-based practices, leading to behavioural modifications that put them in contact with urine and saliva of their children without instructions to do so. These behavioural modifications might interfere with household routines. However, they recognised it to be a time-limited risk-reduction measure, and felt empowered by the knowledge they had gained through study participation and the support they had received from their partners. Participating women gained an increased awareness of their behaviour, resulting in behavioural modification without instructions to do this, in line with previous findings that trial participation can impact on participants' thinking about their behaviour with a possibility to influence change. Maternal research and risk-reduction measures should be centred around being informative, convenient, empowering, and supportive.
Topics: Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Pregnancy; Body Fluids; Cytomegalovirus; Cytomegalovirus Infections; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious; Pregnant Women
PubMed: 38032875
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292134 -
Food Science & Nutrition Feb 2019Fruit and vegetable (FV) intake and participation in leisure-time physical activity (PA) and in sedentary behavior in accordance with the recommendations are met in a...
INTRODUCTION
Fruit and vegetable (FV) intake and participation in leisure-time physical activity (PA) and in sedentary behavior in accordance with the recommendations are met in a minority of populations including children and adolescents.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the frequency of FV intake, leisure-time PA, and sedentary behavior, assess compliance with international recommendations, and how selected factors are associated with these recommendations.
METHODS
The FV consumption and PA questionnaire items previously assessed for reliability in a Ugandan setting were used to gather information about FV consumption, PA, and sedentary behavior among 621 children and adolescents attending schools in Kampala Uganda. The results of FV consumption and PA were categorized as adequate or inadequate while sedentary behavior was categorized as adequate or excess. The relationship between FV consumption, PA, and sedentary behavior with selected independent variables was verified by chi-square test statistic.
RESULTS
Half of the participants (50%) reported inadequate fruit consumption, and 76% of them reported inadequate vegetable consumption. More children (68%) than young adolescents (52%) and older adolescents (44%) met their daily recommendation for fruit consumption. A similar trend was observed for vegetable consumption. Adequacy of FV intake was significantly associated with participant's age, level of education, school ownership, and type of school. Less of 8- to 17-year-olds (14%) than 18 years and above olds (41%) met their weekly recommendation for leisure-time PA. Majority of participants (54%) participated in acceptable levels of sedentary behaviors. Leisure-time PA was significantly associated with age category and school ownership while sedentary behavior was significantly associated with participant's age and education level.
CONCLUSIONS
The intake of FV and participation in leisure-time PA was not adequate in the study population. A significant proportion of participants engaged in excess sedentary behavior. Developing and implementing strategies to increase FV intake and PA among children and adolescents in schools should be a national priority.
PubMed: 30847139
DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.883