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Frontiers in Public Health 2024Food-insecure households commonly rely on food pantries to supplement their nutritional needs, a challenge that was underscored during the COVID-19 pandemic. Food...
Protocol for the Support Application for Food PAntrieS trial: design, implementation, and evaluation plan for a digital application to promote healthy food access and support food pantry operations.
INTRODUCTION
Food-insecure households commonly rely on food pantries to supplement their nutritional needs, a challenge that was underscored during the COVID-19 pandemic. Food pantries, and the food banks that supply them, face common challenges in meeting variable client volume and dietary needs under normal and emergency (e.g., pandemic, natural disaster) conditions. A scalable digital strategy that has the capacity to streamline the emergency food distribution system, while promoting healthy food options, managing volunteer recruitment and training, and connecting to emergency management systems in times of need, is urgently required. To address this gap, we are developing a working mobile application (app) called the Support Application for Food PAntrieS (SAFPAS) and will evaluate its feasibility and impact on food pantry staff preparedness, stocking, and client uptake of healthful foods and beverages in two urban United States settings.
METHODS
This paper describes the protocol for a randomized controlled trial of the SAFPAS mobile application. We will conduct formative research in Baltimore, Maryland and Detroit, Michigan to develop and refine the SAFPAS app and increase scalability potential to other urban settings. Then we will test the app in 20 food pantries in Baltimore randomized to intervention or comparison. The impact of the app will be evaluated at several levels of the emergency food system, including food pantry clients ( = 360), food pantry staff and volunteers ( = 100), food pantry stock, and city agencies such as the local food bank and Office of Emergency Management. The primary outcome of the SAFPAS trial is to improve the healthfulness of the foods received by food pantry clients, measured using the Food Assessment Scoring Tool (FAST). Post-trial, we will conduct additional formative research in Detroit to prepare the app for scale-up.
DISCUSSION
We anticipate that SAFPAS will improve alignment in the supply and demand for healthy foods among food pantry clients, food pantries, and city agencies which supply food in Baltimore. Real-time, bidirectional communication between entities across the system allows for increased situational awareness at all levels during normal and emergency operations. By conducting formative research in Detroit, we hope to increase the scalability of the SAFPAS app to additional settings nationwide.
CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION
NCT87654321. https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05880004.
Topics: Humans; Food Assistance; Mobile Applications; COVID-19; Baltimore; Food Supply; Food Insecurity; Food Security; SARS-CoV-2; Diet, Healthy
PubMed: 38855456
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1340707 -
Future Science OA 2024Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a growing health concern. In this cross-sectional study, participants' knowledge, attitude and practice toward GERD were...
Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a growing health concern. In this cross-sectional study, participants' knowledge, attitude and practice toward GERD were assessed using a questionnaire. In our study of 411 participants, 92.5% knew about GERD. Correctly identified risk factors were smoking (62.3%), fatty food (84.2%), spicy food (91.2%) and meal timing (80.8%). Identified symptoms were burning sensation (92.2%) and regurgitation (81.0%). 43.6% of participants were unaware of GERD's complications. Only 46.2% would seek medical advice for feeling full after eating, but 85% would for severe symptoms. 88.7 and 86.8% of participants showed willingness to amend diet and lifestyle. General population has knowledge regarding GERD and its risk factors but poor attitude and practices toward the condition.
PubMed: 38855099
DOI: 10.2144/fsoa-2023-0144 -
Journal of Clinical Epidemiology Jun 2024To explore the association between industry funding and network meta-analyses' (NMAs) conclusion, and the use in Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) of NMAs.
OBJECTIVES
To explore the association between industry funding and network meta-analyses' (NMAs) conclusion, and the use in Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) of NMAs.
STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING
This was an overview of NMAs and CPGs. We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Epistemonikos, and several guideline databases up to February 18th 2023. We included CPGs from the last 5 years and NMAs of randomized controlled trials that evaluated targeted therapies in immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. Data extraction and outcome assessments were done in duplicate by independent authors.
RESULTS
We included 216 NMAs and 99 CPGs. 31% (67/216) were industry-funded. The proportion of industry-funded NMAs that cited one treatment as being best was 44% (25/57) compared to 26% (30/116) for nonindustry-funded (OR = 2.24 [1.15-4.39]; aOR = 1.76 [0.81-3.81]). The abstract's conclusion of 39/67 (58%) industry-funded and 69/149 (46%) nonindustry-funded NMAs were considered unsupported by the results (OR = 1.61 [0.90-2.89]; aOR = 1.40 [0.71-2.78]). All industry-funded NMAs that cited one treatment as best cited their own sponsored drug. 59/99 (60%) CPGs included at least one NMA, with 23/59 (39%) of them citing industry-funded NMAs.
CONCLUSIONS
We did not find evidence that industry-funded NMAs were more likely to have unsupported conclusions or to cite only one treatment as being best in their conclusions compared to non-industry-funded NMAs. However, almost all industry-funded NMAs favored their own treatments. Even though 40% of the CPGs did not rely on NMA, over a third of those who did used industry-funded NMAs. Limitations include the possible misclassification due to undisclosed funding and potential confounders that have not been accounted for.
PubMed: 38852893
DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2024.111411 -
The American Journal of Clinical... Jun 2024The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides supplemental healthy foods to children aged <5 y in low-income households.
Cross-sectional associations of Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children benefit redemption and diet among children ages 1-4 years in California.
BACKGROUND
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides supplemental healthy foods to children aged <5 y in low-income households.
OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this study were to characterize WIC benefit redemption, identify associations between benefit redemption and child dietary intake, and whether child age modifies these associations.
METHODS
The cross-sectional 2023 California Statewide WIC Survey, conducted with caregivers of WIC-participating children aged 1-4 y, was analyzed for this study. Included children had complete benefit redemption data, a complete National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Dietary Screener Questionnaire (DSQ), and complete covariate data (weighted n = 2244). Monthly household category-specific benefit redemption percentage was averaged across 6 and 3 mo preceding survey completion. Associations between household redemption and child dietary intake (servings or amount/day) were assessed with multivariable linear regression and expressed as estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CI).
RESULTS
Twenty-five percent higher redemption of breakfast cereal, whole grain bread, yogurt and whole milk in the 6 mo prior to the survey were associated with higher child intake frequency for cereal (0.02 servings/d; 95% CI: 0.00, 0.04), whole grain bread (0.02 servings/d; 95% CI: 0.00, 0.03), yogurt (0.04 servings/d; 95% CI: 0.02, 0.06), and whole milk (0.09 servings/d; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.16). Significant effect modification by child age (12 to <24 mo, 24-59 mo) was found for redemption of cheese/tofu and 100% juice (P-interaction = 0.02 and 0.001, respectively), and 25% higher redemption of these benefits were associated with lower intake frequency for cheese (-0.05 servings/d; 95% CI: -0.09, -0.02) and higher intake frequency for juice (0.12 servings/d; 95% CI: 0.06, 0.18), but only among children ages 12 to <24 mo.
CONCLUSIONS
Higher redemption was associated with higher child intake of select WIC foods. Pairing the promotion of benefit redemption among program participants with nutrition education efforts may enhance dietary impacts of WIC participation.
PubMed: 38852854
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajcnut.2024.06.002 -
Resuscitation Jun 2024Early initiation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) by bystanders of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) significantly improves survival and neurological outcomes....
INTRODUCTION
Early initiation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) by bystanders of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) significantly improves survival and neurological outcomes. However, misconceptions about human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission risk during CPR can deter lay bystanders from performing resuscitation. The aim of this study was to compare the rate of CPR initiation by lay bystanders who witnessed OHCA in subjects with and without HIV infection.
METHODS
We analysed data from the two French cardiac arrest registries (SDEC and RéAC) from 2012 to 2020. We identified HIV-positive individuals from the French National Health Insurance database for the SDEC registry, and directly from the RéAC registry data. We used logistic regression models to assess the association between CPR initiation by lay bystanders and the victim's HIV status.
RESULTS
Of 58,177 witnessed OHCA cases, 192 (0.3%) occurred in HIV-positive subjects. These individuals were younger, more often male, and presented more shockable initial rhythms compared with subjects without HIV. Overall, there was no difference in the CPR initiation rate according to the HIV status (57.3% vs 47.6%, adjusted odds ratio 1.11, 95% confidence interval 0.83-1.48). The CPR initiation rate also did not differ by location between victims with or without HIV (home: 57.7% vs 45.4%; public places: 56.0% vs 53.6%; p for interaction = 0.46). Survival and neurological outcomes at hospital discharge did not differ based on the HIV status.
CONCLUSIONS
This study revealed that the rate of CPR initiation by lay bystanders did not differ between HIV and non-HIV subjects during OHCA.
PubMed: 38852828
DOI: 10.1016/j.resuscitation.2024.110269 -
Forensic Science International Jun 2024Cigarettes are part of a collection of objects found everywhere and smoked by a large part of the population. Cigarette butts can be an essential piece of evidence in...
Cigarettes are part of a collection of objects found everywhere and smoked by a large part of the population. Cigarette butts can be an essential piece of evidence in identifying a certain suspect/witness, as they can suggest the positive identification or exclusion of one or more brands by comparison or even DNA analysis. The main objective of this study is to test the capability of Handheld X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (HHXRF) to analyze the elemental concentration of individual cigarette ash of several tobacco brands and investigate if it is further possible to discriminate the different brands based on their ash's elemental concentration. This study reveals the capability of HHXRF to discriminate tobacco brands based on their ashes' elemental concentration, with the great advantage of the analyses being non-destructive and can be carried out on a small sample. In addition, this equipment can measure the ash's elemental concentrations on-site, allowing for less contamination and sample loss.
PubMed: 38850614
DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2024.112083 -
Microbial Biotechnology Jun 2024Clostridioides difficile (CD) infections are defined by toxins A (TcdA) and B (TcdB) along with the binary toxin (CDT). The emergence of the 'hypervirulent' (Hv) strain...
Contribution of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and machine learning including deep learning techniques for the detection of virulence factors of Clostridioides difficile strains.
Clostridioides difficile (CD) infections are defined by toxins A (TcdA) and B (TcdB) along with the binary toxin (CDT). The emergence of the 'hypervirulent' (Hv) strain PR 027, along with PR 176 and 181, two decades ago, reshaped CD infection epidemiology in Europe. This study assessed MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) combined with machine learning (ML) and Deep Learning (DL) to identify toxigenic strains (producing TcdA, TcdB with or without CDT) and Hv strains. In total, 201 CD strains were analysed, comprising 151 toxigenic (24 ToxABCDT, 22 ToxABCDT Hv and 105 ToxABCDT) and 50 non-toxigenic (ToxAB) strains. The DL-based classifier exhibited a 0.95 negative predictive value for excluding ToxAB strains, showcasing accuracy in identifying this strain category. Sensitivity in correctly identifying ToxABCDT strains ranged from 0.68 to 0.91. Additionally, all classifiers consistently demonstrated high specificity (>0.96) in detecting ToxABCDT strains. The classifiers' performances for Hv strain detection were linked to high specificity (≥0.96). This study highlights MALDI-TOF MS enhanced by ML techniques as a rapid and cost-effective tool for identifying CD strain virulence factors. Our results brought a proof-of-concept concerning the ability of MALDI-TOF MS coupled with ML techniques to detect virulence factor and potentially improve the outbreak's management.
Topics: Clostridioides difficile; Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization; Virulence Factors; Humans; Clostridium Infections; Bacterial Proteins; Bacterial Toxins; Machine Learning; Deep Learning; Sensitivity and Specificity; Enterotoxins
PubMed: 38850267
DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.14478 -
Systematic Reviews Jun 2024Despite growing interest in workplace mental health interventions, evidence of their effectiveness is mixed. Implementation science offers a valuable lens to investigate... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Despite growing interest in workplace mental health interventions, evidence of their effectiveness is mixed. Implementation science offers a valuable lens to investigate the factors influencing successful implementation. However, evidence synthesis is lacking, especially for small-to-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and for specific work sectors. The objectives of this review are to establish the scope of research with explicit analysis of implementation aspects of workplace mental health interventions and to identify barriers and facilitators to implementation in general and within SMEs and selected sectors.
METHODS
A systematic scoping review and meta-synthesis of mixed methods process evaluation research from 11 databases, with the evaluation of methodological quality (MMAT) and confidence in findings (CERQual), was conducted. We selected information-rich studies and synthesised them using domains within the Nielsen and Randall implementation framework: context, intervention activities, implementation; and mental models.
RESULTS
We included 43 studies published between 2009 and 2022, of which 22 were rated as information-rich to be analysed for barriers and facilitators. Most studies were conducted in healthcare. Facilitators reflecting 'high confidence' included: relevant and tailored content, continuous and pro-active leadership buy-in and support, internal or external change agents/champions, assistance from managers and peers, resources, and senior-level experience and awareness of mental health issues. Healthcare sector-specific facilitators included: easy accessibility with time provided, fostering relationships, clear communication, and perceptions of the intervention. Stigma and confidentiality issues were reported as barriers overall. Due to the small number of studies within SMEs reported findings did not reach 'high confidence'. A lack of studies in construction and Information and Communication Technology meant separate analyses were not possible.
CONCLUSIONS
There is dependable evidence of key factors for the implementation of workplace mental health interventions which should be used to improve implementation. However, there is a lack of studies in SMEs and in a larger variety of sectors.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
Research Registry ( reviewregistry897 ).
Topics: Humans; Workplace; Mental Health; Health Promotion; Qualitative Research; Leadership; Occupational Health
PubMed: 38849924
DOI: 10.1186/s13643-024-02569-2 -
BMC Public Health Jun 2024Globally, the COVID-19 pandemic upended healthcare services and created economic vulnerability for many. Criminalization of sex work meant sex workers were largely...
Pandemic-related challenges accessing food and primary healthcare among sex workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: findings from a community-based cohort in Vancouver, Canada.
INTRODUCTION
Globally, the COVID-19 pandemic upended healthcare services and created economic vulnerability for many. Criminalization of sex work meant sex workers were largely ineligible for Canada's government-based financial pandemic relief, the Canadian Emergency Response Benefit. Sex workers' loss of income and inability to access financial support services during the pandemic resulted in many unable to pay rent or mortgage, and in need of assistance with basic needs items including food. Little is known about the unique experiences of sex workers who faced challenges in accessing food during the pandemic and its impact on healthcare access. Thus, we aimed to identify the association between pandemic-related challenges accessing food and primary healthcare among sex workers.
METHODS
Prospective data were drawn from a cohort of women sex workers in Vancouver, Canada (An Evaluation of Sex Workers' Health Access, AESHA; 2010-present). Data were collected via questionnaires administered bi-annually from October 2020-August 2021. We used univariate and multivariable logistic regression with generalized estimating equations to assess the association between pandemic-related challenges accessing food and challenges accessing primary healthcare over the study period.
RESULTS
Of 170 participants, 41% experienced pandemic-related challenges in accessing food and 26% reported challenges accessing healthcare. Median age was 45 years (IQR:36-53), 56% were of Indigenous ancestry, 86% experienced intimate partner violence in the last six months, and 62% reported non-injection substance use in the last six months. Experiencing pandemic-related challenges accessing food was positively associated with challenges accessing primary healthcare (Adjusted Odds Ratio: 1.99, 95% Confidence Interval: 1.02-3.88) after adjustment for confounders.
CONCLUSIONS
Findings provide insight about the potential role community-based healthcare delivery settings (e.g., community clinics) can play in ameliorating access to basic needs such as food among those who are highly marginalized. Future pandemic response efforts should also take the most marginalized populations' needs into consideration by establishing strategies to ensure continuity of essential services providing food and other basic needs. Lastly, policies are needed establishing basic income support and improve access to food resources for marginalized women in times of crisis.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Female; Sex Workers; Health Services Accessibility; Adult; Primary Health Care; Prospective Studies; British Columbia; Canada; Pandemics; Middle Aged; SARS-CoV-2; Food Insecurity; Cohort Studies; Food Supply
PubMed: 38849769
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18959-z -
Journal of the American Academy of... Jun 2024Patients who leave against medical advice (AMA) face increased risks of negative health outcomes, presenting a challenge for healthcare systems. This study examines...
INTRODUCTION
Patients who leave against medical advice (AMA) face increased risks of negative health outcomes, presenting a challenge for healthcare systems. This study examines demographic and hospital course factors associated with patients leaving AMA after an upper extremity (UE) orthopaedic procedure.
METHODS
We analyzed 262,912 patients who underwent UE orthopaedic procedures between 2011 and 2020, using the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project database. We then compared demographic and hospital course factors between patients who left AMA and those who did not leave AMA.
RESULTS
Of 262,912 UE orthopaedic patients, 0.45% (1,173) left AMA. Those more likely to leave AMA were aged 30 to 49 (OR, 5.953, P < 0.001), Black (OR, 1.708, P < 0.001), had Medicaid (OR, 3.436, P < 0.001), and were in the 1st to 25th income percentile (OR, 1.657, P < 0.001). Female patients were less likely to leave AMA than male patients (OR, 0.647, P < 0.001). Patients leaving AMA had longer stays (3.626 versus 2.363 days, P < 0.001) and longer recovery times (2.733 versus 1.977, P < 0.001).
CONCLUSION
We found that male, Black, younger than 49 years old, Medicaid-insured, and lowest income quartile patients are more likely to leave AMA after UE orthopaedic treatment.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Upper Extremity; Adult; Orthopedic Procedures; Risk Factors; United States; Aged; Medicaid; Sex Factors; Length of Stay; Young Adult; Treatment Refusal
PubMed: 38848462
DOI: 10.5435/JAAOSGlobal-D-23-00063