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PloS One 2024Highlighting minorities and crime survivors through public discourse is essential for their support and protection. However, advocating for minorities is challenging due...
Highlighting minorities and crime survivors through public discourse is essential for their support and protection. However, advocating for minorities is challenging due to the fear of potential isolation from one's social circles. This reluctance contributes to the societal phenomenon known as the "spiral of silence," significantly impeding efforts to support socially vulnerable individuals. This study centers on a pivotal instance where the silence surrounding sexual abuse in the Japanese entertainment industry was disrupted, in which the late company president had allegedly abused idol trainees of the company for decades. Utilizing extensive data from news media and social media, the study probes the engagement dynamics of public attention to this scandal. Results indicate that users on social media provided earlier and greater coverage for this scandal compared to news media outlets. Furthermore, television demonstrated a significant delay in addressing this issue compared to other news media, such as tabloids, magazines, and online news. Regarding social media engagement, idol fans exhibited a more subdued response to the issue compared to the general public. Notably, fans more loyal to the company tended to be slower to mention the issue, with a higher likelihood of standing in defense of the perpetrators. Moreover, conflicting attitudes were observed within the fan communities, culminating in an observable "echo chamber" phenomenon. This paper presents a novel examination of the process of disruption of social silence and offers critical insights for aiding vulnerable individuals in environments dominated by an unacknowledged spiral of silence. This study is novel in that it suggests a reinterpretation of the "spiral of silence theory" in the age of social media, through a comprehensive analysis of relevant social media data and news media data. This contributes to the body of research that has analyzed the spiral of silence theory online.
Topics: Humans; Social Media; Japan; Sex Offenses; Mass Media; Industry; Female; East Asian People
PubMed: 38935809
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306104 -
PloS One 2024The Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) among high school students includes standard questions about sexual identity and sex of sexual contacts, but these questions are...
PURPOSE
The Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) among high school students includes standard questions about sexual identity and sex of sexual contacts, but these questions are not consistently included in every state that conducts the survey. This study aimed to develop and apply a method to predict state-level proportions of high school students identifying as lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB) or reporting any same-sex sexual contacts in those states that did not include these questions in their 2017 YRBS.
METHODS
We used state-level high school YRBS data from 2013, 2015, and 2017. We defined two primary outcomes relating to self-reported LGB identity and reported same-sex sexual contacts. We developed machine learning models to predict the two outcomes based on other YRBS variables, and comparing different modeling approaches. We used a leave-one-out cross-validation approach and report results from best-performing models.
RESULTS
Modern ensemble models outperformed traditional linear models at predicting state-level proportions for the two outcomes, and we identified prediction methods that performed well across different years and prediction tasks. Predicted proportions of respondents reporting LGB identity in states that did not include direct measurement ranged between 9.4% and 12.9%. Predicted proportions of respondents reporting any same-sex contacts, where not directly observed, ranged between 7.0% and 10.4%.
CONCLUSION
Comparable population estimates of sexual minority adolescents can raise awareness among state policy makers and the public about what proportion of youth may be exposed to disparate health risks and outcomes associated with sexual minority status. This information can help decision makers in public health and education agencies design, implement and evaluate community and school interventions to improve the health of LGB youth.
Topics: Humans; Adolescent; Sexual and Gender Minorities; Male; Female; United States; Sexual Behavior; Surveys and Questionnaires; Machine Learning; Risk-Taking; Students
PubMed: 38935807
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304175 -
PloS One 2024This study examines the 12-month prevalence rates of intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization, including psychological, physical, and sexual forms, in women and...
OBJECTIVES
This study examines the 12-month prevalence rates of intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization, including psychological, physical, and sexual forms, in women and men. It also aims to identify changes in IPV victimization during the COVID-19 pandemic and to explore factors associated with the occurrence of any IPV victimization during this period.
METHODS
Data from the DREAMCORONA study in Germany collected from May 2020 to February 2021 included 737 participants, i.e., (expectant) mothers (64%) and fathers (36%). The Revised Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS2S) short form was used to assess the 12-month IPV victimization. Prevalence of IPV victimization as well as changes in IPV victimization during the pandemic were analyzed descriptively, with results stratified by sex. Multiple logistic regression was employed to identify risk factors for IPV.
RESULTS
Psychological IPV was found to be the most prevalent form of violence, with the occurrence of any psychological IPV affecting 48.5% of women and 39.4% of men, while 2.6% of women and 3.3% of men reported the occurrence of any physical IPV victimization, and 2.8% of women and 1.5% of men reported the occurrence of any sexual IPV victimization. Of those who experienced the occurrence of any IPV in the last 12 months, 89.7% of women and 89.8% of men were victimized by one single act of violence. The majority of affected participants reported no change in psychological and physical IPV victimization during the pandemic. Nevertheless, for certain IPV behaviors on the psychological and physical IPV victimization subscales, both affected women and men also reported higher frequencies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Multiple logistic regression revealed that higher levels of relationship satisfaction were negatively associated with the occurrence of any IPV victimization for women and men, whereas greater levels of own anger-hostility symptoms were positively associated with the occurrence of any IPV victimization.
CONCLUSIONS
Psychological IPV was present in almost every second (expectant) couple. The majority of affected women and men reported no change in their psychological and physical IPV victimization, suggesting that they continued to experience IPV during the pandemic. This underlines the importance of promoting healthier relationship dynamics, coping strategies, and emotional well-being to reduce the risk of IPV, even in times of crisis. Our study sheds light on the early stages of the pandemic and highlights the ongoing need for research into the temporal dynamics of IPV.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Female; Male; Intimate Partner Violence; Adult; Prevalence; Risk Factors; Crime Victims; Germany; Middle Aged; Young Adult; Pandemics; SARS-CoV-2; Adolescent
PubMed: 38935801
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306103 -
PloS One 2024In the context of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs), this study accentuates the role of the tourism and hospitality sector in promoting...
In the context of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs), this study accentuates the role of the tourism and hospitality sector in promoting sustainability. The primary purpose is to unravel the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and energy-specific sustainable behavior of employees (ESBE), with particular emphasis on the mediating roles of green intrinsic motivation and personal environmental norms. Utilizing a three-wave data collection approach, we secured 325 valid responses from sector employees at various levels (manager-non managers) and applied Structural Equation Modeling through the SMART-PLS tool to assess the hypothesized relationships. The findings highlight a pronounced interconnection between CSR, ESBE, and the designated mediating variables. These results not only augment the academic literature by illustrating the psychological underpinnings bridging CSR to ESBE, but also equip the tourism and hospitality industry with actionable insights. Through informed CSR initiatives aligned with employee values, the sector can galvanize sustainable behaviors and create business models that resonate with the aspirations of the UN-SDGs, pointing the way to a more sustainable industry.
Topics: Motivation; Humans; Sustainable Development; Social Responsibility; Conservation of Natural Resources; Male; Female; Adult; Tourism
PubMed: 38935798
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295850 -
PloS One 2024The elderly is commonly susceptible to depression, the symptoms for which may overlap with natural aging or other illnesses, and therefore miss being captured by routine...
BACKGROUND
The elderly is commonly susceptible to depression, the symptoms for which may overlap with natural aging or other illnesses, and therefore miss being captured by routine screening questionnaires. Passive sensing data have been promoted as a tool for depressive symptoms detection though there is still limited evidence on its usage in the elderly. Therefore, this study aims to review current knowledge on the use of passive sensing data via smartphones and smartwatches in depressive symptom screening for the elderly.
METHOD
The search of literature was performed in PubMed, IEEE Xplore digital library, and PsycINFO. Literature investigating the use of passive sensing data to screen, monitor, and/or predict depressive symptoms in the elderly (aged 60 and above) via smartphones and/or wrist-worn wearables was included for initial screening. Studies in English from international journals published between January 2012 to September 2022 were included. The reviewed studies were further analyzed by a narrative analysis.
RESULTS
The majority of 21 included studies were conducted in Western countries with a few in Asia and Australia. Most studies adopted a cohort study design (n = 12), followed by cross-sectional design (n = 7) and a case-control design (n = 2). The most popular passive sensing data was related to sleep and physical activity using an actigraphy. Sleep characteristics, such as prolonged wakefulness after sleep onset, along with lower levels of physical activity, exhibited a significant association with depression. However, cohort studies expressed concerns regarding data quality stemming from incomplete follow-up and potential confounding effects.
CONCLUSION
Passive sensing data, such as sleep, and physical activity parameters should be promoted for depressive symptoms detection. However, the validity, reliability, feasibility, and privacy concerns still need further exploration.
Topics: Humans; Smartphone; Depression; Aged; Mass Screening; Wearable Electronic Devices; Sleep; Middle Aged; Exercise; Female
PubMed: 38935797
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304845 -
PloS One 2024Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) has demonstrated efficacy in preventing HIV infection. Female Bar Workers (FBWs) often act as informal sex workers, placing them at risk... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Demonstrating service delivery models for effective initiation and retention on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among female bar workers in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: A double randomized intervention study protocol.
BACKGROUND
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) has demonstrated efficacy in preventing HIV infection. Female Bar Workers (FBWs) often act as informal sex workers, placing them at risk of HIV infection. Despite expressing interest in PrEP, FBWs face barriers to accessing public-sector clinics where PrEP is delivered. We developed a study to compare the effectiveness of workplace-based PrEP provision to standard-of-care facility-based provision for PrEP initiation, retention and adherence among FBWs.
METHODS
In this double-randomized intervention study, FBWs aged 15 years and above will be screened, consented and initiated on PrEP (emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil), and followed for six months. Participants will be randomized at the bar level and offered PrEP at their workplace or at a health facility. Those who are initiated will be independently individually randomized to either receive or not receive an omni-channel PrEP champion intervention (support from an experienced PrEP user) to improve PrEP adherence. We expect to screen 1,205 FBWs to enroll at least 160 HIV negative women in the study. Follow-up visits will be scheduled monthly. HIV testing will be performed at baseline, month 1, 4 and 6; and TDF testing at months 2 and 6. Primary outcomes for this trial are: (1) initiation on PrEP (proportion of those offered PrEP directly observed to initiate PrEP); and (2) adherence to PrEP (detectable urine TDF drug level at 6-months post-enrollment). The primary outcomes will be analyzed using Intention-to-Treat (ITT) analyses.
DISCUSSION
Using a randomized trial design, we will evaluate two interventions aiming to reduce barriers to uptake and retention on PrEP among FBWs, a vulnerable population at risk of HIV acquisition and onward transmission. If these interventions prove effective in promoting PrEP among FBWs, they could assist in abating the HIV epidemic in Africa.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
Registered with German Clinical Trials Register (www.drks.de) on 29 April 2020; Registration number DRKS00018101.
Topics: Humans; Female; Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis; HIV Infections; Tanzania; Anti-HIV Agents; Sex Workers; Adult; Medication Adherence; Adolescent; Young Adult; Tenofovir
PubMed: 38935796
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304077 -
PloS One 2024The present systematic review aims to identify, synthesize, and evaluate evidence of effects from interventions targeting youth not in education, employment, or training...
The present systematic review aims to identify, synthesize, and evaluate evidence of effects from interventions targeting youth not in education, employment, or training (NEET). We searched relevant multidisciplinary databases to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-randomized re-engagement trials. Primary outcomes were participation in education and employment, and training status. Secondary outcomes included changes in financial status, quality of life and well-being, social functioning, and physical, psychological, and behavioral outcomes. The Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and PRISMA guidelines were applied. Eligible studies were screened, included, and extracted for data. Nine trials were included (eight RCTs and one quasi-experimental study), in which samples ranged from 96 to 7346 participants. Results on primary outcomes showed that five studies found an effect of interventions on employment outcomes, while three studies indicated an effect on education or training. Results on secondary outcomes included effects on mental health, subjective health complaints, drug use, self-esteem, and self-efficacy. Studies with other main outcomes than re-engagement showed an effect of interventions on pass rates for the driving test, independent housing, and increased job-seeking activities. Limitations and future directions are discussed, including the lack of rigorous studies, theoretical underpinnings, and standardized measures for re-engagement outcomes. Systematic review registration: registered in PROSPERO, CRD42023463837.
Topics: Humans; Employment; Adolescent; Return to Work; Schools; Quality of Life; Young Adult; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 38935788
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306285 -
PloS One 2024Sickle cell disease (SCD) decreases the oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood cells. Children with SCD have reduced/restricted cerebral blood flow, resulting in...
Sickle cell disease (SCD) decreases the oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood cells. Children with SCD have reduced/restricted cerebral blood flow, resulting in neurocognitive deficits. Hydroxyurea is the standard treatment for SCD; however, whether hydroxyurea influences such effects is unclear. A key area of SCD-associated neurocognitive impairment is working memory, which is implicated in other cognitive and academic skills. The neural correlates of working memory can be tested using n-back tasks. We analyzed functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data of patients with SCD (20 hydroxyurea-treated patients and 11 controls, aged 7-18 years) while they performed n-back tasks. Blood-oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) signals were assessed during working memory processing at 2 time points: before hydroxyurea treatment and ~1 year after treatment was initiated. Neurocognitive measures were also assessed at both time points. Our results suggested that working memory was stable in the treated group. We observed a treatment-by-time interaction in the right cuneus and angular gyrus for the 2- >0-back contrast. Searchlight-pattern classification of the 2 time points of the 2-back tasks identified greater changes in the pattern and magnitude of BOLD signals, especially in the posterior regions of the brain, in the control group than in the treated group. In the control group at 1-year follow-up, 2-back BOLD signals increased across time points in several clusters (e.g., right inferior temporal lobe, right angular gyrus). We hypothesize that these changes resulted from increased cognitive effort during working memory processing in the absence of hydroxyurea. In the treated group, 0- to 2-back BOLD signals in the right angular gyrus and left cuneus increased continuously with increasing working memory load, potentially related to a broader dynamic range in response to task difficulty and cognitive effort. These findings suggest that hydroxyurea treatment helps maintain working memory function in SCD.
Topics: Humans; Hydroxyurea; Anemia, Sickle Cell; Memory, Short-Term; Child; Adolescent; Male; Female; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Antisickling Agents; Brain; Case-Control Studies
PubMed: 38935785
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296196 -
PloS One 2024Several hepatitis A outbreaks have recently been reported in Kerala state, India. To inform coverage decision of hepatitis A vaccine in Kerala, this study aimed to...
Several hepatitis A outbreaks have recently been reported in Kerala state, India. To inform coverage decision of hepatitis A vaccine in Kerala, this study aimed to examine the cost-effectiveness of 1) hepatitis A vaccination among children aged 1 year and individuals aged 15 years, and 2) serological screening of individuals aged 15 years and vaccination of susceptible as compared to no vaccination or vaccination without serological screening. Both live attenuated hepatitis A vaccine and inactivated hepatitis A vaccine were considered in the analysis. A combination of decision tree and Markov models with a cycle length of one year was employed to estimate costs and benefits of different vaccination strategies. Analysis were based on both societal and payer perspectives. The lifetime costs and outcomes were discounted by 3%. Our findings indicated that all strategies were cost-saving for both societal and payer perspectives. Moreover, budget impact analysis revealed that vaccination without screening among individuals aged 15 years could save the government's budget by reducing treatment cost of hepatitis A. Our cost-effectiveness evidence supports the inclusion of hepatitis A vaccination into the vaccination program for children aged 1 year and individuals aged 15 years in Kerala state, India.
Topics: Humans; India; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Hepatitis A; Adolescent; Hepatitis A Vaccines; Vaccination; Infant; Child; Female; Male; Child, Preschool; Adult; Markov Chains; Young Adult
PubMed: 38935781
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306293 -
PloS One 2024Although breast cancer has a markedly higher incidence in developed countries, seven out of ten deaths occur in developing countries, including Ethiopia. However, there...
BACKGROUND
Although breast cancer has a markedly higher incidence in developed countries, seven out of ten deaths occur in developing countries, including Ethiopia. However, there is a limited information on the quality of life (QoL) among breast cancer patients in Ethiopia, notably in the Amhara region. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the QoL and its associated factors among patients with breast cancer in the Amhara Region, Ethiopia.
METHODS
An institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted from 25th March 2019 to 7th July 2019. A systematically selected sample of 256 breast cancer patients were participated in the study. A standardized interviewer-administered Amharic version questionnaire was used to collect the data. We used the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer quality of life questionnaire core 30 (EORTC QLQ C30) and breast cancer supplementary measure (QLQ-BR23) to measure QoL. The data were analyzed by SPSS version 23. A binary logistic regression model was fitted to identify the predictors of QoL. The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was reported to show the strength of the association.
RESULTS
Sixty-eight percent of breast cancer patients had poor QoL (68.4%; 95% CI: 62.5-73.8). The mean score of QoL was 70.6 (standard deviation (SD) ±13.9; 95% CI: 69.0-72.4). All functional component scores were less than 75 on the symptom scale. Diarrhea (11.6), constipation (17.5), and dyspnea (24.7) were less noticeable symptoms. Being out of marriage (AOR = 2.59, 95% CI: 1.32-5.07), being poor (AOR = 2.39, 95%CI: 1.32-5.03), being non-housewife (AOR = 3.25, 95% CI: 1.16-7.22), and being complaints of dyspnea (AOR = 3.48, 95% CI: 1.79-6.79), and insomnia (AOR = 2.03, 95% CI: 1.05-3.91) were significantly associated with QoL.
CONCLUSIONS
The proportion of poor QoL among breast cancer patients was high. Health care professionals should give attention to breast cancer patients who are out of marriage, poor and non-housewife while offering the recommended treatment courses.
Topics: Humans; Quality of Life; Ethiopia; Female; Breast Neoplasms; Cross-Sectional Studies; Middle Aged; Adult; Surveys and Questionnaires; Aged
PubMed: 38935776
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305263