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Journal of Behavior Therapy and... Jun 2024Eating disorders are often linked to the internalization of the thin-ideal and weight stigma. The present exploratory study investigates the effects of plus-sized...
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Eating disorders are often linked to the internalization of the thin-ideal and weight stigma. The present exploratory study investigates the effects of plus-sized fashion media on weight-related attitudes in bulimia nervosa (BN).
METHODS
Women with BN (n=27) and without an eating disorder (n=28) were exposed to 17 pictures of plus-size fashion models. Participants rated the attractiveness of the models. Before and after the exposure task, participants completed questionnaires on their attitudes towards people with higher weight as well as thin-ideal media.
RESULTS
The BN group rated the bodies of the plus-size fashion models as less attractive than controls, whereas no group differences were found in attractiveness ratings for the models' faces or full images. In both groups, negative attitudes about people with higher weight significantly decreased after viewing plus-size model pictures. Attitudes toward thin-ideal media remained unchanged, with scores higher for BN than controls.
LIMITATIONS
This exploratory study has several limitations, such as the lack of a control condition, small sample size, and reliance on only self-report data.
CONCLUSIONS
These exploratory results imply that the positive effects of plus-sized model images on reducing negative assumptions about people with high weight may not be limited to healthy individuals but also seem to extend to women with BN. Further controlled studies with larger samples and long-term assessments are needed to confirm these findings.
PubMed: 38955021
DOI: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2024.101976 -
Public Health Jul 2024Understanding differences in post-legalization patterns of marijuana between rural and urban environments has the potential to go a long way towards targeting...
INTRODUCTION
Understanding differences in post-legalization patterns of marijuana between rural and urban environments has the potential to go a long way towards targeting intervention efforts aimed at reducing marijuana use disorders.
METHODS
Data come from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH, 2015-2019, N = 210,392). Survey-weighted multivariable linear and logistic regression analyses were used to assess the relationship between key marijuana-related variables and the status of medical marijuana use in each state with interaction terms for rural versus urban status.
RESULTS
Among the entire sample, the prevalence of marijuana abuse and dependence were 0.7% and 1.8%, respectively. Among marijuana users, the average number of days on which marijuana was used was 131.3 (SD = 136.3) days. Those living in states with legalized medical marijuana reported use on a greater number of days (B = 10.69; 95% CI: 5.26, 16.13) with frequency of use increasing as rurality increased, compared to a core based statistical area (CBSA) of ≥1 million: a CBSA of <1 million residents (B = 23.02; 95% CI: 17.38, 28.66) and non-CBSA (B = 37.62; 95% CI: 22.66, 52.58). We also observed lower odds of driving under the influence of marijuana in states where medical marijuana was legal (aOR = 0.86; 95% CI: 0.77, 0.95).
CONCLUSION
We observed an increase in the frequency of marijuana use and a decrease in driving under the influence of marijuana in states with legalized medical marijuana use relative to those states where it remained illegal. We also observed key moderation based on rural-urban status. This body of results suggests that problematic marijuana use may be on the rise following the legalization of marijuana use, but also that corresponding protective attitudes exist.
PubMed: 38954884
DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2024.05.036 -
Public Health Jul 2024We conducted a systematic review to assess the scope and effectiveness of interventions to improve human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination in Africa from 2006 to 2021. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
We conducted a systematic review to assess the scope and effectiveness of interventions to improve human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination in Africa from 2006 to 2021.
STUDY DESIGN
Systematic review.
METHODS
Four databases (Medline, Embase, CINAHL and PsycINFO) were searched for articles published between 2006 and 2021. Articles were screened and included based on eligibility criteria using DistillerSR (Version 2.35). Data were extracted and reported using a narrative synthesis. A quality assessment was also conducted for each study using validated quality appraisal tools.
RESULTS
Out of 7603 articles identified by a systematic search, 18 articles met the inclusion criteria. Included studies comprised impact evaluation and cross-sectional studies published between 2012 and 2021 and conducted in eight African countries namely: Nigeria, Cameroon, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Mali, and Malawi. Study quality ranged from high to low quality. Interventions comprised fifteen educational and three multicomponent interventions. Out of thirteen impact evaluation studies (all educational interventions), twelve studies were effective in increasing HPV vaccine uptake and/or improving participants' knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions about the vaccine. Across five cross-sectional studies (two educational and three multicomponent interventions), HPV vaccine uptake rates ranged from 34% to 93.3%, with a consensus on safety and effectiveness in 67.9%-90.3% of participants post-intervention.
CONCLUSION
Educational and multicomponent interventions have been implemented to improve HPV vaccination in Africa. While educational interventions have proven effective at improving HPV vaccine uptake, a more diverse range of interventions with robust impact evaluation study designs are needed to strengthen the available evidence and improve vaccine uptake.
PubMed: 38954882
DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2024.05.015 -
International Journal of Qualitative... Dec 2024The suicidal process contains both observable and non-observable phases, and patients have described the process as characterized by loneliness and darkness. Ambulance...
PURPOSE
The suicidal process contains both observable and non-observable phases, and patients have described the process as characterized by loneliness and darkness. Ambulance clinicians encounter patients in all phases of the suicidal process but little is known on what meaning this encounter has to the patients. The aim of this study was to elucidate meanings of encountering ambulance clinicians while being in a suicidal process.
METHODS
Data were collected through fifteen individual interviews with eight participants who had lived experiences of encountering ambulance clinicians. Inductive design using phenomenological hermeneutical approach was used.
FINDINGS
Patients are impacted by the clinicians, both in how they find their value in the situation, but also in expected trajectory. Three themes; 'Being impacted by representatives of society', 'Being unsure of one´s own value' and 'Regaining hope in moments of togetherness' generated the main theme ´Navigating oneself through the eyes of the other´.
CONCLUSION
The way ambulance clinicians communicate impacts how patients navigate themselves in the ambivalence about living or dying, and the encounter either consolidate a feeling of being a burden, or instil hope of an endurable life. Through conversation, clinicians could support the patients in taking the first steps in the journey of recovery.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Ambulances; Adult; Middle Aged; Qualitative Research; Loneliness; Hope; Communication; Suicidal Ideation; Suicide; Attitude of Health Personnel
PubMed: 38954758
DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2024.2374751 -
The Journal of Infectious Diseases Jul 2024While vaccination is the most effective way to prevent influenza infection and adverse outcomes, and despite WHO recommendations to vaccinate pregnant persons, access to...
BACKGROUND
While vaccination is the most effective way to prevent influenza infection and adverse outcomes, and despite WHO recommendations to vaccinate pregnant persons, access to seasonal influenza vaccines remains low. We explored knowledge, attitudes, and practices of pregnant persons about seasonal influenza vaccines to inform actions to improve vaccine uptake among this priority population.
METHODS
We pooled individual-level data from cross-sectional surveys assessing pregnant persons' attitudes toward seasonal influenza vaccines in eight low- and middle-income countries during 2018-2019. The eight countries used a standard protocol and questionnaire to measure attitudes and intents toward influenza vaccination. We stratified by country-level (presence/absence of a national influenza vaccination program, country income group, geographic region) and individual-level factors.
FINDINGS
Our analysis included 8,556 pregnant persons from eight low- and middle-income countries with and without seasonal influenza vaccination programs. Most pregnant persons (6,323, 74%) were willing to receive influenza vaccine if it was offered for free. Willingness differed by presence of an existing influenza vaccination program; acceptance was higher in countries without influenza vaccination programs (2,383, 89%) than in those with such programs (3,940, 67%, p < 0.001).
INTERPRETATION
Most pregnant persons in middle-income countries, regardless of influenza vaccination program status, were willing to be vaccinated against influenza if the vaccine was provided free of charge. National investments in influenza vaccination programs may be well-received by pregnant persons, leading to averted illness both in pregnant persons themselves and in their newborn babies.
FUNDING
US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
PubMed: 38954648
DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiae340 -
Journal of Drugs in Dermatology : JDD Jul 2024To understand the prevalence and types of publications addressing darker skin types within the existing evidence base for sunscreen use. Evidence Review: PubMed... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
To understand the prevalence and types of publications addressing darker skin types within the existing evidence base for sunscreen use. Evidence Review: PubMed was searched from 1988, the time point at which the first skin of color (SOC) article was identified, through December 2022 using PubMed's Medical Subject Headings terms and keyword searches in title and abstract, with and without terms for SOC and ethnicity. Identified articles were reviewed for relevance, de-duplicated, and categorized; results are summarized.
FINDINGS
Of the 5927 articles on sunscreen overall, only 314 (5.3%) articles addressed SOC, with the majority published since 2007 and representing only 4% to 7% of total publications annually except in 2022 when the proportion of SOC articles was 23.5%. Of the articles on SOC, many reported sunscreen knowledge and patient behaviors (29%), but very few reported clinical trials (5%). The 3 conditions most often discussed were melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and dyschromia. South Asian ethnicities (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh) had the highest representation within the literature, followed by Hispanics.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
Although it was assumed there would be fewer papers discussing the use of sunscreen in darker skin types, the scale of the disparity revealed by this study is stark. The increase in a number of articles in 2022 suggests an increasing focus on SOC, but further discussion of the issues presented here will help the SOC community address gaps in the evidence base and better inform discussions on sunscreen and photoprotection between clinicians and patients.J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23(7):575-577. doi:10.36849/JDD.8250.
Topics: Humans; Sunscreening Agents; Skin Pigmentation; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Ultraviolet Rays
PubMed: 38954618
DOI: 10.36849/JDD.8250 -
Journal of Drugs in Dermatology : JDD Jul 2024Melasma is a chronic pigmentary disorder. In this study, an innovative cream combining cysteamine and tranexamic acid (TXA) was assessed. (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
Melasma is a chronic pigmentary disorder. In this study, an innovative cream combining cysteamine and tranexamic acid (TXA) was assessed.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the safety, efficacy, and patient satisfaction of a novel nano-formulated cysteamine and TXA combination cream in treating subjects with epidermal melasma.
METHODS
Fifty (50) randomized subjects participated and received cysteamine and TXA combination cream. The cream was applied for 30 minutes daily for a 3-month duration. Treatment effectiveness, safety, patient satisfaction, and adherence were evaluated.
RESULTS
A continuous improvement in melasma was observed, with modified Melasma Area and Severity Index (mMASI) scores improving by 40%, 57%, and 63% at 30, 60, and 90 days, respectively. The primary endpoint of a decrease in mMASI scores was met, with 91% of participants experiencing melasma improvement. Patient Satisfaction and Patient Adherence scores indicated satisfaction. Convenience exhibited the strongest correlation with patient adherence. Conclusion: Nano-formulated cysteamine and TXA combination cream showed significant efficacy in decreasing mMASI score while demonstrating a strong safety profile and patient satisfaction. J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23(7):529-537. doi:10.36849/JDD.7765R1.
Topics: Humans; Melanosis; Cysteamine; Tranexamic Acid; Female; Patient Satisfaction; Adult; Treatment Outcome; Middle Aged; Medication Adherence; Male; Skin Cream; Administration, Cutaneous; Severity of Illness Index; Drug Combinations; Nanoparticles; Young Adult
PubMed: 38954613
DOI: 10.36849/JDD.7765 -
Journal of Drugs in Dermatology : JDD Jul 2024Poor melanoma outcomes in people of color (POC) are attributed to a variety of factors, including healthcare literacy, socioeconomic status, and healthcare access...
BACKGROUND
Poor melanoma outcomes in people of color (POC) are attributed to a variety of factors, including healthcare literacy, socioeconomic status, and healthcare access barriers. Methods: We designed a survey to determine if visual and audio media (VAM) would increase POC's understanding of the need for sunscreen and their willingness to use it. Patients recruited at a dermatology clinic were asked to watch a 2.5-minute video on sun protection and complete a pre- and post-survey assessing their knowledge.
RESULTS
Forty-one (41) patients were recruited, 43.9% of whom identified as POC and 31.7% as Hispanic or Latino. In the post-survey, 100% of participants agreed that daily sunscreen use helps prevent sun-related risks, compared to 68% before (P<.0001). 71% of the participants intended to use sunscreen daily after watching the video, compared to 24% who did so before (P<.0001). One-hundred percent (100%) of Black participants in the post-survey agreed that sunscreen wear helps prevent risks associated with sun exposure, compared to 46% in the pre-survey (P= 0.0052); no significant difference among White participants (80% vs 100%; P=0.1121).
LIMITATIONS
Small sample size, no long-term follow-up.
CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrates the persistence of health disparities and the effectiveness of VAM in enhancing Black patients' healthcare literacy. J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23(7):525-528. doi:10.36849/JDD.7821.
Topics: Humans; Sunscreening Agents; Female; Male; Adult; Middle Aged; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Hispanic or Latino; Surveys and Questionnaires; Skin Neoplasms; Health Literacy; Black or African American; Melanoma; Aged; Patient Education as Topic; Video Recording; Young Adult
PubMed: 38954611
DOI: 10.36849/JDD.7821 -
Urogynecology (Philadelphia, Pa.) Jun 2024Disparities research in Black women with pelvic floor disorders (PFDs) has primarily focused on epidemiology or surgical outcomes, but little is known about the patient...
IMPORTANCE
Disparities research in Black women with pelvic floor disorders (PFDs) has primarily focused on epidemiology or surgical outcomes, but little is known about the patient perspective on seeking PFD care.
OBJECTIVE
To provide quality and equitable care to Black women with PFDs, we conducted a qualitative study to hear their perspectives and lived health care experiences.
STUDY DESIGN
Black women seeking care for PFDs at a tertiary care institution were invited to participate in qualitative interviews. Open-ended questions explored participants' knowledge, attitudes, and health care experiences. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and coded line-by-line. Inductive content analysis was performed to identify key themes, and consensus was achieved among the research team.
RESULTS
Eight Black women aged 21-83 years consented to participate. Patients noted a stigma surrounding PFDs, both among health care professionals and their community. They noted several barriers to care: financial, logistical, and racial bias. They cited difficulties in patient-health care professional communication, including not feeling heard or treated as an individual. They preferred gender and racial concordance with their physicians. These women expressed both a desire for more knowledge and to share this knowledge and advocate for other women.
CONCLUSIONS
Black women expressed distinct obstacles in their PFD health care. They reported not feeling heard or treated as a unique individual. The themes derived from this study identify complex patient-centered needs that can serve as the basis for future quality improvement work and/or hypothesis-driven research. By grounding health disparities research in patient perspectives, we can improve the health care experiences of Black women.
PubMed: 38954608
DOI: 10.1097/SPV.0000000000001542 -
Canadian Review of Sociology = Revue... Jul 2024This article extends existing scholarship on contingent or temporary-contract university instructors' emotional agency by employing the Bolton's emotion management and...
This article extends existing scholarship on contingent or temporary-contract university instructors' emotional agency by employing the Bolton's emotion management and Cottingham's emotional capital typologies in tandem. In interviews with 40 instructors from universities across Canada, participants described acquiring both primary and secondary emotional capital as an embodied psychosocial resource through past education, upbringing and culture, and knowledge and skills from previous work and training experiences respectively. They then deployed this capital through emotion management based in both social and organizational feeling rules in their capacity as professors. This allowed instructors to reinforce their own sense of purpose, authority and competence as instructors, and to establish fulfilling relationships with students through teaching and mentoring which they infused with personal meaning. However, instructors' agency was also curtailed to varying degrees, by both institutional attitudes around academic contingency and sexist, and in some cases, racist or otherwise patronizing attitudes from students. Despite this, instructors were often able to reaffirm their identities as instructors by using emotion management in self-affirming ways, such as by drawing on self-confidence gained through previous occupations and training, and facilitating cultural backgrounds shared with students through emotional management.
PubMed: 38954521
DOI: 10.1111/cars.12478