Patient Characteristics and Clinical Outcomes During the 2020-2021 COVID-19 Wave: An Observational Study at a Tertiary Hospital in Saudi Arabia.

Background and objective The continued prevalence and threat of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been reported, and evidence suggests that several people still get infected with the virus. Gaining a thorough understanding of the patient demographic factors and laboratory findings could contribute to assessing the severity, mortality, and progression of COVID-19. In light of this, the current study aimed to evaluate the demographic characteristics, laboratory findings, and outcomes of confirmed COVID-19 patients at a tertiary hospital in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Methodology We collected data spanning the period 2020-2021 from the electronic health records of Al-Noor Specialized Hospital, Ma including demographics (age, gender, and nationality), severity (i.e., ICU admission), length of hospital stay, mortality, and laboratory parameters. Results We observed an overall mortality rate of 10.2% (338 of 3,307 patients). The mortality rate was significantly higher in males (n=210; 62.1%) and patients aged more than 70 years (n=91; 26.9%). Patients with blood group O comprised 131 (29%) of the 338 non-survivors, followed by those with A (n=85; 25.1%) and B groups (n=79; 23.4%). The mortality rate among ICU patients was 63.3% (n=214). Furthermore, the following laboratory findings showed abnormal mean values in terms of severity and mortality in COVID-19 patients: hemoglobin (HB) concentration, white blood cell (WBC) count, lymphocyte count (LC), C-reactive protein (CRP), creatinine (CREA), and uric acid (UA) levels. Conclusions Old age, male gender, and certain laboratory findings have a critical role in the severity and mortality risk in COVID-19 patients. There was no significant association between blood type and the severity and mortality of COVID-19. Continuous monitoring based on these findings may be essential to managing COVID-19 patients.

Inclusion, reporting and analysis of demographic variables in chronobiology and sleep research.

Many aspects of sleep and circadian physiology are sensitive to participant-level characteristics. While recent research robustly highlights the importance of considering participant-level demographic information, the extent to which this information is consistently collected, and reported in the literature, remains unclear. This article investigates study sample characteristics within the published sleep and chronobiology research over the past 40 years. 6,777 articles were identified and a random sample of 20% was included. The reporting of sample size, age, sex, gender, ethnicity, level of education, socio-economic status, and profession of the study population was scored, and any reported aggregate summary statistics for these variables were recorded. We observed a significant upward trend in the reporting and analysis of demographic variables in sleep and chronobiology research. However, we found that while > 90% of studies reported age or sex, all other variables were reported in < 25% of cases. Reporting quality was highly variable, indicating an opportunity to standardize reporting guidelines for participant-level characteristics to facilitate Meta analyses.

Medications Adherence and Associated Factors Among Patients with Stroke in Iraq.

Purpose: Stroke poses significant challenges to affected individuals, their families, and healthcare systems, with adherence to medications being a pivotal determinant of health outcomes. In this study, we aim to evaluate the medication adherence of stroke patients living in Iraq, and explore how patients' demographic and clinical details relate to their adherence levels. Furthermore, we seek to assess the self-care practices used by stroke patients and their adherence to them. Patients and Methods: We carried out a cross-sectional correlational study conducted from November 2022 to April 2023, stroke patients diagnosed in seven hospitals across Baghdad and Al-Mothanna governorate were recruited, with diagnoses confirmed by physicians and senior neurologists using MRI and/or CT scans. Patients' adherence to medications, demographic data, clinical characteristics, and self-care activities were analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analyses. Results: Of the 200 participants, mean age was 58.27 years, with males constituting 53.5%. About 40.5% had a hemorrhagic stroke, and 59.5% an ischemic stroke. The mean adherence score was 13.36 (SD= 4.658) out of a possible 28. Factors significantly correlated with medication adherence included age, monthly income, time since having a stroke, and education level. Adherence was also significantly linked to having diabetes mellitus or high blood pressure. The assessment of participants' self-care activities and medication adherence revealed that responses to questions about healthcare habits varied, with "None" being the most common response for most items. Notably, we found no significant association between adherence and factors such as gender, marital status, living place, and smoking status. Conclusion: Medication adherence remains suboptimal among stroke patients in Iraq. Various demographic and clinical factors play a role in influencing adherence. The conformity to medication regimens and factors associated with it among individuals who have suffered a stroke in Iraq is vital.

Demographics, Disease Characteristics, and Time to Effective Treatment of Patients with Psoriasis in the Ghent PsoPlus Cohort of 2021.

INTRODUCTION: Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated skin disease with several comorbidities and a considerable influence on quality of life. Many patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis are undertreated and have a substantial disease duration before effective treatment is started. This study analyzed patient and disease characteristics and time to effective treatment of patients with psoriasis who consulted PsoPlus. It also examined whether a treat-to-target (T2T) approach, which is implemented in PsoPlus, has an impact on treatment choice and disease progression. METHODS: Through a single center, retrospective study, 170 patients in the PsoPlus dedicated clinic were compared at moment of enrollment in PsoPlus and at the last recorded consultation in 2021. RESULTS: Median disease duration at the first PsoPlus consultation was 16.0 (interquartile range (IQR) 19.0) years. There was a significant difference in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) between the first and the last recorded PsoPlus consultation (PASI 6.0 (IQR 6.4) vs. 0.6 (IQR 2.6); DLQI 11 (IQR 11) vs. 2 (IQR 6); p < 0.001). A weak positive Spearman correlation (rs) was found between disease duration and PASI at the first PsoPlus consultation (rs = 0.175; p = 0.034), while a weak negative correlation (rs = - 0.2; p = 0.013) was found at the last registered PsoPlus consultation. Patients with a disease duration of more than 20 years had significantly more switches of treatment than those with a shorter disease duration (p < 0.001). Median time from psoriasis onset until PASI ≤ 2 was 16.0 years. Median time from the first PsoPlus consultation until PASI ≤ 2 was 7.0 months. CONCLUSION: The PsoPlus program with its T2T approach effectively improves clinical outcomes and quality of life for patients with psoriasis in a relatively short period, emphasizing the value of a structured, personalized treatment plan for long-term management.

Structural inequality and temporal brain dynamics across diverse samples.

BACKGROUND: Structural income inequality - the uneven income distribution across regions or countries - could affect brain structure and function, beyond individual differences. However, the impact of structural income inequality on the brain dynamics and the roles of demographics and cognition in these associations remains unexplored. METHODS: Here, we assessed the impact of structural income inequality, as measured by the Gini coefficient on multiple EEG metrics, while considering the subject-level effects of demographic (age, sex, education) and cognitive factors. Resting-state EEG signals were collected from a diverse sample (countries = 10; healthy individuals = 1394 from Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Cuba, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Turkey and United Kingdom). Complexity (fractal dimension, permutation entropy, Wiener entropy, spectral structure variability), power spectral and aperiodic components (1/f slope, knee, offset), as well as graph-theoretic measures were analysed. FINDINGS: Despite variability in samples, data collection methods, and EEG acquisition parameters, structural inequality systematically predicted electrophysiological brain dynamics, proving to be a more crucial determinant of brain dynamics than individual-level factors. Complexity and aperiodic activity metrics captured better the effects of structural inequality on brain function. Following inequality, age and cognition emerged as the most influential predictors. The overall results provided convergent multimodal metrics of biologic embedding of structural income inequality characterised by less complex signals, increased random asynchronous neural activity, and reduced alpha and beta power, particularly over temporoposterior regions. CONCLUSION: These findings might challenge conventional neuroscience approaches that tend to overemphasise the influence of individual-level factors, while neglecting structural factors. Results pave the way for neuroscience-informed public policies aimed at tackling structural inequalities in diverse populations.

Patterns and Motivations of Topical Steroid Use for Skin Whitening in Jazan, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Background The use of topical steroids for skin whitening is prevalent in many regions, including Saudi Arabia. This study aims to analyze the patterns, motivations, and demographic factors associated with the use of topical steroids for cosmetic purposes in Jazan, Saudi Arabia. Methods This cross-sectional survey was conducted online over three weeks. A structured questionnaire was distributed to adults residing in Jazan, collecting data on demographics, topical steroid use, motivations, and product sources. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. Results Among the 340 participants, 173 (50.9%) reported using topical steroids for skin whitening. The majority of users were female (149, 43.8%) and aged between 20 and 30 years (78, 22.9%). Most participants had used topical steroids for less than a year (127, 73.4%), with usage predominantly in the evening (86, 49.7%). Topical steroids were primarily purchased from pharmacies (70, 40.5%), with significant monthly expenditure variability: 55 participants (31.8%) spent between 50 and 110 SAR, and 62 (35.7%) spent more than 150 SAR. Motivations for use included a preference for lighter skin (49, 28.4%) and treatment of melasma (42, 24.3%). Recommendations from friends (71, 41.0%) and TV advertisements (34, 19.8%) influenced product choice. Conclusion Topical steroid use for skin whitening is widespread among adults in Jazan, with a notable emphasis on cosmetic outcomes and substantial financial investment. There is a critical need for increased public education on the risks associated with topical steroids and enhanced professional guidance to promote safer usage practices.

Patient Characteristics Influencing Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores Vary with Time from Patellar Dislocation and Number of Dislocations.

OBJECTIVES: Demographic characteristics of the patient population influence patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) following patellar dislocations. The time from injury and number of dislocations can also vary within the patient population. The hypothesis of the study is that characteristics of the patient population influencing Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) measures of pain, function and quality of life vary with time from patellar dislocation and number of dislocations. METHODS: Outcome scores were evaluated for subjects in four groups: within five months of a first patellar dislocation (first-time group, n = 24), within five months of a recurrent dislocation (multiple group, n = 15), five to twelve months after a first dislocation (post-acute group, n = 14), and two years or longer after a first dislocation (two years group, n = 14). For each group, KOOS pain, physical function and quality of life scores were compared between males and females. KOOS scores were also correlated against age, body mass index (BMI), and time since first and most recent dislocation. RESULTS: For the first-time dislocation group, physical function and quality of life scores were higher for men than women (p < 0.05). For the multiple dislocation group, pain and physical function improved as BMI decreased (p < 0.025), while quality of life improved as age decreased (p = 0.014). For the post-acute group, all three scores improved as BMI decreased (p < 0.05). For the two years group, all three scores worsened as time since first dislocation increased (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Following patellar dislocation, relationships between characteristics of the patient population and PROMs vary with time from injury and number of dislocations. In the acute phase following a first dislocation, PROMs likely reflect the traumatic injury. Based on relationships with BMI, outcomes likely reflect functional capacity of the knee in the acute phase of multiple dislocations and post-acute phase of a first dislocation. After multiple years, progressive degradation of the knee over time seems to influence PROMs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Retrospective study with more than one negative criterion (Level 4).

Patient characteristics of pediatric inpatients with sensorineural hearing loss: Insights from the 2016 KID database.

This study examines how patient demographics impact pediatric sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) prevalence using the 2016 Kids' Inpatient Database (KID). By analyzing age, gender, race, income, insurance, and region, the study provides insights for early intervention and diagnosis. Multivariate regression analysis reveals associations between these factors and SNHL occurrence. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the influence of patient demographics on pediatric SNHL prevalence, offering guidance for early detection and intervention strategies. STUDY DESIGN: Using 2016 KID data, this retrospective analysis investigates how patient factors like age, gender, race, income, insurance, and region relate to SNHL prevalence. Multivariate regression is employed to control for potential confounders. METHODS: Data from 6,266,285 patient discharges, including 9997 hearing loss cases, are analyzed. SNHL prevalence is calculated, and demographic variables are examined. Weighted odds ratios and multivariate regression are used to assess associations. RESULTS: The study finds an overall SNHL prevalence of 101.67 cases per 100,000 discharges in 2016. Non-Hispanic White patients show the highest prevalence. Black patients are more likely to be diagnosed, while Hispanic patients are less likely. Multivariate analysis highlights race, income, insurance, region, age, and sex as significant confounders. CONCLUSION: This study underscores the impact of patient demographics on pediatric SNHL prevalence. Factors like race, income, insurance, and region play a role. These findings aid in risk assessment, early identification, and tailored interventions. Further research can uncover socioeconomic disparities and underlying mechanisms.

A closer look at the demographics of same-sex marriage in the United States: Implications for research, practice, and policy.

In 2015, the United States Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, setting in motion a sweeping social change for sexual minority people and their romantic relationships. The United States Census Bureau collects demographic data on same-sex couple households, offering an opportunity to better understand the demographic makeup of same-sex marriage today. This knowledge is essential for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers who aim to understand and support same-sex couples' relationships. We used national probability data from the American Community Survey collected in 2021 (the most recent year these data are available) on married and unmarried, cohabiting same-sex and opposite-sex households. Respondents reported their own age, race, ethnicity, education, employment, income, home ownership, and whether they had children living with them in their household. Differences between married and unmarried opposite-sex couples were observed in race, ethnicity, age, and socioeconomic status, consistent with prior research. Many of these demographic gaps also existed for same-sex couples, although these were often smaller. Several of these differences further varied between male and female same-sex couples. Same-sex married couples appear to be more demographically diverse than opposite-sex married couples. However, like opposite-sex couples, same-sex couples from multiple minoritized groups were less likely to be married. Future research is needed to understand drivers of these differences (e.g., different attitudes about marriage or lack of access to marriage) and their impact. Policymakers and clinicians will need to bear these group differences in mind when designing policy and delivering services to support the well-being of sexual minority couples.

Delayed Milestones and Demographic Factors Relate to the Accuracy of Autism Screening in Females Using Spoken Language.

Examine how milestone development, demographics, and emotional/behavioral functioning predict autistic females meeting the cutoff on a commonly used Autism screening tool (Social Communication Questionnaire: SCQ). We hypothesized that autistic girls with fewer developmental delays, whose parents have lower education, or are Black or Multiracial would be less likely to meet the SCQ cutoff. Further, those with more symptoms of Withdrawal/Depression, Social Problems, Thought Problems, and Attention Problems on the (Child Behavioral Checklist: CBCL) would be more likely to screen positive. A subset of participants enrolled in a large national cohort (SPARK) were included (5,946 autistic females). A cutoff score on the SCQ of 11 was used to form groups: Meet (M: N = 5,186) and Not Meeting (NM: N = 760). Autistic girls who had delayed toileting and motor milestones and whose parents attained higher education were more likely to screen positive. Girls who scored within the clinical range on the CBCL Thought Problems and Attention Problems syndrome scales were more likely to screen positive. Race and reported symptoms on the Withdrawn/Depressed and Social Problems syndrome scales did not relate to screening status. Results further support the existing literature suggesting that autistic girls must present with more significant delays/symptoms to be screened and diagnosed with autism, which can could impact their access to early intervention services and future skill development. Future research should examine additional factors that specifically put females at a disadvantage for being accurately identified, particularly for those who are speaking and/or of average cognitive ability.

An Exploratory Survey of Latinidad in Behavior Analysis.

Latinos make up 18.9% of the U.S. population and constitute a similar proportion of those working in the field of behavior analysis. However, little is known about their cultural values and how individuals approach their work. Because behavior analysts work closely with students and clients, their learning history and cultural values likely influence their behavior as mentors, supervisors, researchers, and clinicians (Beaulieu & Jimenez-Gomez, Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 55, 337-356, 2022). The purpose of this project was to survey the demographics, activities, roles, and values of Latino behavior analysts to better understand their cultural background. A Qualtrics survey was shared via social media and professional listservs. Eighty-six individuals completed the survey. We summarize results of the survey and discuss implications for future research and service delivery. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40617-024-00914-4.

Attrition of older adults in web-based health interventions: Survival analysis within an observational cohort study.

To identify demographics and personal motivation types that predict dropping out of eHealth interventions among older adults. We conducted an observational cohort study. Participants completed a pre-test questionnaire and got access to an eHealth intervention, called Stranded, for 4 weeks. With survival and Cox-regression analyses, demographics and types of personal motivation were identified that affect drop-out. Ninety older adults started using Stranded. 45.6% participants continued their use for 4 weeks. 32.2% dropped out in the first week and 22.2% dropped out in the second or third week. The final multivariate Cox-regression model which predicts drop-out, consisted of the variables: perceived computer skills and level of external regulation. Predicting the chance of dropping out of an eHealth intervention is possible by using level of self-perceived computer skills and level of external regulation (externally controlled rewards or punishments direct behaviour). Anticipating to these factors can improve eHealth adoption.

Kidney transplant cases in US: study of determinants of variance in hospital charges and inpatient care.

We investigate the factors that influence the variance in hospital charges and inpatient care for kidney transplant cases in the US. Using the AHRQ's (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality) HCUP's (Hospital Cost and Utilization Project) NIS (National Inpatient Sample) database, we find that variance in hospital charges and inpatient care is driven by patient demographics and hospital variables. We find that variance in hospital charges and inpatient care is determined by patient-specific factors including age, gender, race, and income, and hospital factors such as size, type, and location. Our results provide a deeper understanding of the non-clinical factors that impact hospital charges and inpatient care for kidney transplant patients.

Investigating sex, race, and geographic disparities in bronchus and lung cancer mortality in the United States: a comprehensive longitudinal study (1999-2020) utilizing CDC WONDER data.

Background: Lung and bronchus cancer has become the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the United States. Understanding the patterns of mortality is an absolute requirement. Methods: This study analyzed Lung and Bronchus cancer-associated mortality rates from 1999 to 2020 using death certificate data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wide-Ranging OnLine Data for Epidemiologic Research (CDC WONDER). Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs), per 100 000 people, and annual percentage change (APCs) were also calculated. Results: 3 599 577 lung and bronchus cancer-related deaths occurred in patients aged younger than 1-85+ years between 1999 and 2020. Overall AAMRs declined from 59.1 in 1999 to 58.9 in 2001 (APC: -0.1364) then to 55.9 in 2005 (APC: -1.4388*) 50.5 by 2010 (APC: -2.0574*) 44.7 by 2014 (APC: -2.9497*) and 35.1 by 2020 (APC: -4.1040*). Men had higher AAMRs than women (overall AAMR men: 61.7 vs. women: 38.3). AAMRs were highest among non-Hispanic (NH) Black or African American (52.7) patients followed by NH White (51.8), NH American Indian or Alaska Native (38.6), NH Asian or Pacific Islander (24.7) and Hispanic or Latino race (20.2). AAMRs varied in region (overall AAMR; South: 52.4; Midwest: 52.3; Northeast: 46.3; West: 39.1). Non-metropolitan areas had a higher AAMR (55.9) as compared to metropolitan areas (46.7). The top 90th percentile states of Lung and Bronchus cancer AAMR were Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Tennessee, and West Virginia. Conclusion: An overall decreasing trend in AAMRs for lung and bronchus cancer was seen. Public health measures to regulate risk factors and precipitating events are needed.

Gender and melanoma subtype-based prognostic implications of MUC16 and TTN co-occurrent mutations in melanoma: A retrospective multi-study analysis.

BACKGROUND: Most primary cutaneous melanomas have pathogenesis driven by ultraviolet exposure and genetic mutations, whereas acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM) and metastatic melanoma are much less, if at all, linked with the former. Thus, we evaluated both ultraviolet related and non-ultraviolet related melanomas. Mutations in the MUC16 and TTN genes commonly occur concurrently in these melanoma patients, but their combined prognostic significance stratified by gender and cancer subtype remains unclear. METHODS: The cBioPortal database was queried for melanoma studies and returned 16 independent studies. Data from 2447 melanoma patients were utilized including those with ALM, cutaneous melanoma (CM), and melanoma of unknown primary (MUP). Patients were grouped based on the presence or absence of MUC16 and TTN mutations. Univariate Cox regression and Student's t-tests were used to analyze hazard ratios and total mutation count comparisons, respectively. RESULTS: TTN mutations, either alone or concurrently with MUC16 mutations, significantly correlated with worse prognosis overall, in both genders, and in CM patients. ALM patients with both mutations had better prognoses than CM patients, while ALM patients with neither mutation had worse prognosis than CM patients. For MUP patients, only MUC16 mutations correlated with worse prognosis. ALM patients with neither MUC16 nor TTN mutations had significantly more total mutations than MUP patients, followed by CM patients. CONCLUSION: TTN mutations are a potential marker of poor prognosis in melanoma, which is amplified in the presence of concurrent MUC16 mutations. ALM patients with neither gene mutations had worse prognosis, suggesting a protective effect of having both MUC16 and TTN mutations. Only MUC16 mutations conferred a worse prognosis for MUP patients. Comprehensive genetic profiling in melanoma patients may facilitate personalized treatment strategies to optimize patient outcomes.

The Race to Exclude: Residential Growth Controls in California Cities, 1970-1992.

Local regulations that restrict residential growth are a key driver of California's affordable housing crisis. Scholars have argued these growth controls were implemented in the late 20th century by cities intending to exclude Black households. However, growth controls may also have plausibly been driven by a desire to exclude growing Hispanic, Asian, and foreign-born populations; by increased concern about the negative environmental consequences of population growth; or by homeowners' or cities' fiscal motivations. I jointly test these competing explanations using time-varying data on the adoption of a variety of residential growth controls covering California cities from 1970-1992. I find that, all else equal, cities with a lower share of Black residents-both in absolute terms, and relative to their metropolitan area-were more likely to pass residential growth controls. I also find some evidence that growth controls were more likely to be passed in areas experiencing greater Black population growth and in cities more supportive of White-Black segregation. Finally, I find strong evidence that, net of other factors, cities in areas more supportive of policies to protect the environment were more likely to pass residential growth controls.

Epidemiological, Demographic, and Clinical Characteristics of Von Willebrand Disease Patients in Zahedan City, Iran: A Descriptive Study.

Background: Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is one of the most common coagulative diseases, so identifying the effective factors in preventing this complication is essential. The study aimed to evaluate the frequency of demographic and epidemiological findings in VWD patients referred to a hospital in Zahedan, Iran. Materials and Methods: This study was performed on 76 patients with VWD referred to Hazrat Ali-Asghar Hospital in Zahedan City, Sistan, and Baluchestan province. After obtaining consent from the patients, the demographic information and clinical symptoms of the disease were recorded. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 22.0 software. All descriptive data were expressed as mean ±SD and percent (%) depending on the continuous and dichotomous variables. A P-value ≤0.05 was considered significant statistically. Results: The present study results showed that the highest age group of VWD patients at the time of disease diagnosis was in the age group 1-5 years (47.3%), and most patients had type III VWD (80.3%). It was also found that 67.1% of patients had a positive family history and their parents' consanguineous marriage (77.6%). The most common complaints were epistaxis (88.15%), cutaneous bleeding (78.94%), and oral cavity bleeding (61.84%), respectively. Conclusion: Due to the high prevalence of VWD in consanguineous marriages and an increase in adverse complications and symptoms in VWD patients, proper diagnosis and screening at an early age, especially in people with family history, is essential. Efforts are needed to develop national registries and widely provide the required and available basic services for diagnosis and treatment.

Are Otolaryngologists Seeing More Cough? Longitudinal Trends and Patterns.

OBJECTIVE: Otolaryngologists play an increasing role in managing cough, but little data exists examining the demographics of this patient population and the referral patterns that influence their access to care. This study sought to elucidate these factors using a longitudinal, nationwide database to minimize sampling bias and identify trends representative of the national population. STUDY DESIGN: Nationally representative survey. SETTING: National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS). METHODS: Visits with a diagnosis and chief complaint of cough between 2005 and 2019 in NAMCS were examined. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to compare patient demographics between visits to surgical specialists, medical specialists, and primary care physicians. RESULTS: Otolaryngologists made up more than 84% of surgical specialist visits. There was a 0.52% [0.20%-0.84%] increase per year in the proportion of visits attributed to surgical specialists. Based on a sensitivity analysis of the multivariable model, Hispanic patients (adjusted odds ratio, aOR: 0.88 [0.78-0.99] vs White) and patients living outside of metropolitan areas (aOR: 0.77 [0.61-0.99] vs living within) were less likely to see surgical specialists than primary care doctors for their cough. Patients who were referred (aOR: 1.47 [1.28-1.72] vs not referred) and with chronic cough (aOR: 1.47 [1.23-1.75] vs acute/subacute) were more likely to see a surgical specialist. CONCLUSION: Otolaryngologists are increasingly called upon to evaluate and consider treatment for cough. Identifying patient groups with limited access underscores the need for enhanced education about otolaryngologists' roles and integrated care approaches to improve access to specialized cough treatment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4.

Why Do People Choose a Particular Dog? A Mixed-Methods Analysis of Factors Owners Consider Important When Acquiring a Dog, on a Convenience Sample of Austrian Pet Dog Owners.

Selecting a dog that is incompatible with the owner's expectations can negatively impact both parties. Previous studies on dog acquisition have primarily focused on shelter environments, using closed-ended questions to assess hypothetical preferences. In contrast, our study employed open-ended questions with a convenience sample of Austrian dog owners (N = 1077) to retrospectively explore why the owners chose their dogs. We also examined consistency in owners' responses and the influence of owner characteristics (age, education, household composition, previous dog experience, purpose of acquisition) on their reasons. Content analysis revealed 24 codes; the frequency of codes was 2.4/response. The most frequent codes were breed-based choice (29%), choosing on a whim, without careful consideration (24%), work/sport skills (22%), and rescuing a dog (17%). The least frequent were the age (1%), health (1%), sex (1%), and guarding skills (0.6%) of the dog. Twelve codes were consistent over time, and ten were consistent across dogs, indicating that the owners showed a consistent preference for certain traits. Except for the owner's education level, all characteristics affected the likelihood of mentioning at least one code. Most associations were found with the presence of children in the household: owners with children preferred friendly, easily manageable, and easy-to-train dogs and were less likely to adopt or rescue compared to owners living without children. Our findings also highlight discrepancies between spontaneous (free-text) reports and responses to closed-ended questions, underscoring the importance of qualitative data in better understanding the motivations behind and the factors influencing dog acquisition.

How Do Socio-Demographic Factors, Health Status, and Knowledge Influence the Acceptability of Probiotics Products in Hong Kong?

In recent years, due to growing interest in gut health, the potential benefits of probiotics on the gut have received much attention. Probiotics, now readily available in both dietary supplements and a variety of foods, have become a focal point of consumer health choices. This study aims to explore the impact of consumer-related factors, including socio-demographic profiles, health status, and probiotics knowledge, on the acceptance of probiotics products in Hong Kong. A total of 385 participants engaged in a survey, providing data for an in-depth analysis of how these factors influence attitudes toward probiotics. Findings revealed a general confidence in the safety of probiotics products among respondents; however, there was a noticeable gap in probiotics understanding. The study highlighted a correlation between probiotics knowledge and specific socio-demographic attributes, with higher educational attainment positively linked to greater probiotics awareness. Furthermore, the research indicated that women exhibit higher health consciousness and a greater propensity for probiotics consumption compared to men. Consequently, promoting enhanced probiotics education and fostering increased health awareness are crucial steps to prevent the misuse of probiotics and optimize health outcomes.