scholarly journals Fieldworker effects on substance use reporting in a rural South African setting

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-39
Author(s):  
Brian Houle ◽  
Nicole Angotti ◽  
F. Xavier Gómez-Olivé ◽  
Samuel J. Clark

Aims: Fieldworkers capturing reports of sensitive behaviors, such as substance use, may influence survey responses and represent an important factor in response validity. We explored the effects and interaction of fieldworker and respondent characteristics (age and gender) in substance (tobacco and alcohol) use reporting. We aim to further the literature on conditional social attribution effects on substance use reporting in the context of South Africa, where accurate estimates of modifiable risk factors are critical for medical and public health practitioners and policy-makers in efforts to reduce chronic disease burden and mortality.Design: We modeled substance use reporting using binary logistic regression. We also tested if fieldworker effects remained, allowing for correlation in reporting for respondents with the same fieldworker using multi-level logistic regression.Setting: Agincourt Health and Socio-Demographic Surveillance System site, rural South Africa.Participants: We used data from a 2010–2011 study on HIV and cardiometabolic risk, ages 15+ (N = 4,684).Measures: Lifetime and current alcohol and tobacco use.Findings: Respondents reported higher lifetime smoking use to older fieldworkers. Male respondents reported higher lifetime alcohol use to older fieldworkers. No fieldworker effects were significant on reports of current smoking. An older, male fieldworker increased the probability of reports of current alcohol use. Adjusting for intra-fieldworker correlation explained many of the observed fieldworker effects.Conclusions: Our results highlight the importance of adjusting for interviewer characteristics to improve the accuracy of chronic disease risk factor estimates and validity of inferred associations. We recommend that surveys collecting information that may be subject to response bias routinely include anonymized fieldworker identifiers and demographic information. Analysts can then use these additional fieldworker data as a tool in evaluating probable bias in respondent reporting.

2010 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 396-408 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruno Mendonça Coêlho ◽  
Laura Helena Andrade ◽  
Francisco Bevilacqua Guarniero ◽  
Yuan-Pang Wang

OBJECTIVE: To investigate in a community sample the association of suicide-related cognitions and behaviors ("thoughts of death", "desire for death", "suicidal thoughts", and "suicidal attempts") with the comorbidity of depressive disorders (major depressive episode or dysthymia) and alcohol or substance use disorders. METHOD: The sample was 1464 subjects interviewed in their homes using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview to generate DSM-III-R diagnosis. Descriptive statistics depicted the prevalence of suicide-related cognitions and behaviors by socio-demographic variables and diagnoses considered (major depressive episode, dysthymia, alcohol or substance use disorders). We performed a multivariate logistic regression analysis to estimate the effect of comorbid major depressive episode/dysthymia and alcohol or substance use disorders on each of the suicide-related cognitions and behaviors. RESULTS: The presence of major depressive episode and dysthymia was significantly associated with suicide-related cognitions and behaviors. In the regression models, suicide-related cognitions and behaviors were predicted by major depressive episode (OR = range 2.3-9.2) and dysthymia (OR = range 5.1-32.6), even in the presence of alcohol use disorders (OR = range 2.3-4.0) or alcohol or substance use disorders (OR = range 2.7-2.8). The interaction effect was observed between major depressive episode and alcohol use disorders, as well as between dysthymia and gender. Substance use disorders were excluded from most of the models. CONCLUSION: Presence of major depressive episode and dysthymia influences suicide-related cognitions and behaviors, independently of the presence of alcohol or substance use disorders. However, alcohol use disorders and gender interact with depressive disorders, displaying a differential effect on suicide-related cognitions and behaviors.


Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 141 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Danielle M Crookes ◽  
Lisa M Bates ◽  
Amelia K Boehme ◽  
Earle C Chambers ◽  
Martha Daviglus ◽  
...  

Background: News reports and hate crime data suggest that anti-Hispanic/Latino immigrant sentiment was expressed by some sectors of the U.S. public during the 2016 Presidential campaign and election. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between this period and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors thought to be responsive to acute stress exposure among Hispanic/Latino adults in the US. Methods: Data were from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL), a prospective cohort study of Hispanic/Latino adults living in the US. The analytic sample was limited to non-pregnant adults, 35 to 74 years old, who participated in Visit 1 (2008-2011) and Visit 2 (2014-2017). The exposed were defined as participants who completed Visit 2 in 2016 and the unexposed were defined as participants who completed Visit 2 in 2014 or 2015. Cardiovascular disease risk factors included elevated depressive symptoms (CESD-10 score: 10+), current smoking, and at-risk levels of alcohol consumption (women: 7+ drinks/week; men: 14+ drinks/week). Current alcohol use (i.e., any current alcohol use) was also examined as a potential stress-related outcome. Predicted marginal risk ratio models were used to estimate incident Visit 2 outcomes as a function of exposure to the year 2016 among individuals who did not have those outcomes at Visit 1. Models were adjusted for age and insurance status at Visit 1. A priori interactions with nativity status, duration of residence in the US, and Hispanic/Latino background group were examined. Results: No statistically significant association between 2016 exposure and elevated depressive symptoms was observed in the main model, but additive interaction by Hispanic/Latino background group was observed ( p = 0.03) (Mexican and Central American background: RR adjusted : 1.28 (0.94, 1.76); Hispanics/Latinos of other background groups: RR adjusted : 0.85 (0.66, 1.09)). No association between 2016 exposure and incident smoking or incident at-risk alcohol consumption was observed and tests for interaction were not statistically significant. For incident current alcohol use, borderline trends in the main model suggested an association with the exposure (RR adjusted : 1.11 (0.99, 1.26)). Further, statistically significant additive interaction by nativity status was observed (Foreign-born: RR adjusted : 1.20 (1.06, 1.37); US/Puerto Rico-born: RR adjusted : 0.78 (0.55, 1.09)). Conclusions: Trends from study findings suggest an association between exposure to anti-Hispanic/Latino immigrant sentiment in 2016 and current alcohol use among foreign-born Hispanic/Latino adults. Given limitations of using time as a proxy for exposure to anti-Hispanic/Latino immigrant sentiment, future studies should explore more specific measurements of sentiment during this time and explore short and long-term effects of this sentiment.


Author(s):  
David Adzrago ◽  
Samuel H. Nyarko ◽  
Nnenna Ananaba ◽  
Christine Markham

Abstract Background Sexually transmitted disease (STD) cases are rising in the USA, especially among sexual and gender minorities, despite the availability of numerous STD prevention programs. We examined the differences in STD prevalence among sexual and gender minority subgroups with major depressive episode symptoms and substance use dependence. Methods We combined 2017, 2018, and 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) public-use data on adults (N = 127,584) to conduct weighted multivariable logistic regression and margins analyses. Results Approximately 2.05% of the population reported having STDs. The population that had major depressive episode symptoms (AOR = 1.70, 95% CI = 1.46, 1.99), alcohol use dependence (AOR = 1.79, 95% CI = 1.49, 2.16), illicit drug use other than marijuana use dependence (AOR = 2.25, 95% CI = 1.73, 2.92), or marijuana use dependence (AOR = 1.90, 95% CI = 1.57, 2.31) had higher odds of contracting STDs compared to their counterparts. Lesbian/gay (AOR = 2.81, 95% CI = 2.24, 3.54) and bisexual (AOR = 1.95, 95% CI = 1.60, 2.37) individuals had higher odds of contracting STDs. Lesbians/gays with major depressive episode symptoms, alcohol use dependence, or illicit drug use other than marijuana use dependence had the highest probability of having STDs, compared to bisexuals and heterosexuals with major depressive episode symptoms, alcohol use, or illicit drug use other than marijuana use dependence. Bisexuals with marijuana use dependence had the highest probability of STD contraction compared to their lesbian/gay and heterosexual counterparts. Within each sexual identity subgroup, the probability of having STDs was higher for individuals with major depressive episode symptoms, or dependence on alcohol use, illicit drug use other than marijuana use, or marijuana use compared to their counterparts. Conclusion Major depressive episode symptoms, substance use dependence, and sexual and gender minority status had higher risks for STD diagnosis, particularly for sexual and gender minorities with major depressive episode symptoms or substance use dependence. Tailored interventions based on major depressive episode symptoms and substance use dependence may reduce the prevalence of STD, especially among sexual and gender minorities.


2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary Metcalf ◽  
Karen Rossie ◽  
Katie Stokes ◽  
Christina Tallman ◽  
Bradley Tanner

BACKGROUND New technologies such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and video games hold promise to support and enhance individuals in addiction treatment and recovery. Quitting or decreasing cigarette or alcohol use can lead to significant health improvements for individuals, decreasing heart disease risk and cancer risks (for both nicotine and alcohol use), among others. However, remaining in recovery from use is a significant challenge for most individuals. OBJECTIVE We developed and assessed the Take Control game, a partially immersive Kinect for Windows platform game that allows users to counter substance cues through active movements (hitting, kicking, etc). METHODS Formative analysis during phase I and phase II guided development. We conducted a small wait-list control trial using a quasi-random sampling technique (systematic) with 61 participants in recovery from addiction to alcohol or tobacco. Participants used the game 3 times and reported on substance use, cravings, satisfaction with the game experience, self-efficacy related to recovery, and side effects from exposure to a virtual reality intervention and substance cues. RESULTS Participants found the game engaging and fun and felt playing the game would support recovery efforts. On average, reported substance use decreased for participants during the intervention period. Participants in recovery for alcohol use saw more benefit than those in recovery for tobacco use, with a statistically significant increase in self-efficacy, attitude, and behavior during the intervention. Side effects from the use of a virtual reality intervention were minor and decreased over time; cravings and side effects also decreased during the study. CONCLUSIONS The preliminary results suggest the intervention holds promise as an adjunct to standard treatment for those in recovery, particularly from alcohol use.


2010 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 575-583 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carrie R Daniel ◽  
Amanda J Cross ◽  
Corinna Koebnick ◽  
Rashmi Sinha

AbstractObjectiveTo characterize the trends, distribution, potential determinants and public health implications of meat consumption within the USA.DesignWe examined temporal trends in meat consumption using food availability data from the FAO and US Department of Agriculture (USDA), and further evaluated the meat intake by type (red, white, processed) in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) linked to the MyPyramid Equivalents Database (MPED).ResultsOverall meat consumption has continued to rise in the USA and the rest of the developed world. Despite a shift towards higher poultry consumption, red meat still represents the largest proportion of meat consumed in the USA (58 %). Twenty-two per cent of the meat consumed in the USA is processed. According to the NHANES 2003–2004, total meat intake averaged 128 g/d. The type and quantities of meat reported varied by education, race, age and gender.ConclusionsGiven the plausible epidemiological evidence for red and processed meat intake in cancer and chronic disease risk, understanding the trends and determinants of meat consumption in the USA, where meat is consumed at more than three times the global average, should be particularly pertinent to researchers and other public health professionals aiming to reduce the global burden of chronic disease.


2020 ◽  
Vol 40 (9) ◽  
pp. 259-266
Author(s):  
Nour Hammami ◽  
Ashok Chaurasia ◽  
Philip Bigelow ◽  
Scott T. Leatherdale

Introduction Few studies have assessed the relationship between chronic disease risk behaviours and body mass index (BMI) in a longitudinal, sex/gender-specific context. This study used gender-specific analyses to assess the extent to which chronic disease risk behaviour latent classes are associated with BMI and weight status at follow-up. Methods Longitudinal data from 4510 students in Grades 9 to 12, tracked from 2013– 2015, who participated in the COMPASS study were used to assess gender differences in the lagged association between previously determined latent classes (of physical activity and substance use) with BMI using multilevel mixed-effects models. Our multilevel regression models assessed the association between two latent classes, active experimenters and inactive non-using youth, with BMI when stratified by gender. Results Male inactive non-substance-using youth were associated with a 0.29 higher continuous BMI (95% CI: 0.057, 0.53) and odds of overweight/obesity increased by 72% (OR = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.2, 2.4) for binary BMI at follow-up relative to active youth who experiment with substance use. No significant associations were detected in females. Conclusion Over time, physical activity has a protective role on BMI in male youth. Both substance use and physical inactivity should be addressed in obesity prevention efforts. Gender stratification in analyses is also important since females and males have different contributing factors to increases in BMI.


2006 ◽  
Vol 188 (3) ◽  
pp. 237-242 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas R. E. Barnes ◽  
Stanley H. Mutsatsa ◽  
Sam B. Hutton ◽  
Hilary C. Watt ◽  
Eileen M. Joyce

BackgroundSubstance use may be a risk factor for the onset of schizophrenia.AimsTo examine the association between substance use and age at onset in a UK, inner-city sample of people with recent-onset schizophrenia.MethodThe study sample consisted of 152 people recruited to the West London First-Episode Schizophrenia Study. Self-reported data on drug and alcohol use, as well as information on age at onset of psychosis, were collected. Mental state, cognition (IQ, memory and executive function) and social function were also assessed.ResultsIn total, 60% of the participants were smokers, 27% reported a history of problems with alcohol use, 35% reported current substance use (not including alcohol), and 68% reported lifetime substance use (cannabis and psychostimulants were most commonly used). Cannabis use and gender had independent effects on age at onset of psychosis, after adjusting for alcohol misuse and use of other drugs.ConclusionsThe strong association between self-reported cannabis use and earlier onset of psychosis provides further evidence that schizophrenia may be precipitated by cannabis use and/or that the early onset of symptoms is a risk factor for cannabis use.


Author(s):  
Zackaria Niazi ◽  
Danielle Dick ◽  
Amy Adkins ◽  
Megan Cooke

Parenting styles are important in the behavioral development of adolescents. The environment created by the parent, in regards to communication with their child and level of independence given to their child, may influence the child’s susceptibility to risk behaviors. This study examines the relationship between parenting style and substance use among university students. We hypothesized that university students exposed to lower levels of autonomy granting (AG) or parental involvement (PI) parenting styles would have an increased likelihood of alcohol and nicotine use. We also hypothesized that religiosity, parental education level, ethnicity, and gender would act as moderators of parenting styles and alcohol and nicotine use. Data from a diverse university-wide sample was collected in the fall semester of the student’s freshman year from 2011-2014 (N = 9889, 61.5% female). Results demonstrated that AG had a significant, negative association with alcohol use (B = -0.033, p = 0.006) and nicotine use (B = -0.066, p <0.001). All moderators were found to be significant predictors of alcohol use, however only father education level demonstrated a borderline significant moderation of the relationship between PI and alcohol use. Religiosity, Black race, Asian race, and gender were found to be significant predictors of nicotine use. Only gender moderated the association between PI and nicotine use. Even though alcohol and nicotine use and AG were associated, our results indicate that once students enter university, previous parenting style does not have a strong effect on alcohol and nicotine use behaviors in our sample. KEYWORDS: Parenting Styles; University Students; Risky Behaviors; Autonomy Granting; Parental Involvement; Alcohol; Nicotine; Drug; Behavioral Biology; Substance Use


PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. e0245872
Author(s):  
Amelia M. Stanton ◽  
Abigail W. Batchelder ◽  
Norik Kirakosian ◽  
James Scholl ◽  
Dana King ◽  
...  

Mental health disparities among transgender and gender diverse (TGD) populations have been documented. However, few studies have assessed differences in mental health symptom severity, substance use behavior severity, and engagement in care across TGD subgroups. Using data from the electronic health record of a community health center specializing in sexual and gender minority health, we compared the (1) severity of self-reported depression, anxiety, alcohol use, and other substance use symptoms; (2) likelihood of meeting clinical thresholds for these disorders; and (3) number of behavioral health and substance use appointments attended among cisgender, transgender, and non-binary patients. Participants were 29,988 patients aged ≥18 who attended a medical appointment between 2015 and 2018. Depression symptom severity (F = 200.6, p < .001), anxiety symptom severity (F = 102.8, p < .001), alcohol use (F = 58.8, p < .001), and substance use (F = 49.6, p < .001) differed significantly by gender. Relative to cisgender and transgender individuals, non-binary individuals are at elevated risk for depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Gender was also associated with differences in the number of behavioral health (χ2 = 51.5, p < .001) and substance use appointments (χ2 = 39.3, p < .001) attended. Engagement in treatment among certain gender groups is poor; cisgender women and non-binary patients assigned male at birth were the least likely to have attended a behavioral health appointment, whereas transgender men and cisgender women had attended the lowest number of substance use appointments. These data demonstrate the importance of (1) assessing gender diversity and (2) addressing the barriers that prevent TGD patients from receiving affirming care.


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