Demographic and Socioeconomic Predictors of Prehypertension and Hypertension in the Adult Population: Serbian National Health Survey.

Background and Objectives: Prehypertension and hypertension are the most common cardiovascular disorders worldwide and are increasingly considered one of the most serious public health problems, particularly in developing countries. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency and demographic and socioeconomic predictors of prehypertension and hypertension in the adults in Serbia, and to examine the relationship between prehypertension and hypertension and health behavior determinants (smoking, alcohol use, physical activity) and individual aspects of health (a health self-assessment, multimorbidity, BMI, depressive symptoms). Materials and Methods: The research is part of the fourth National Population Health Survey conducted in 2019, which was conducted by the Republic Institute of Statistics, in cooperation with the Institute of Public Health of Serbia and the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Serbia. As a research instrument, questionnaires were used in accordance with the methodology of the European Health Survey. For the purposes of this research, data on the adult population aged 20 and over were used. Results: Women are at a reduced risk for both prehypertension (OR = 0.328) and hypertension (OR = 0.349) by nearly 70%. Similarly, those aged below 60 years have a lower risk for prehypertension and those younger than 40 years have a lower risk for hypertension (OR = 0.995), whereas people with a lower education have a 4.3 times higher risk of prehypertension (OR = 4.323) and a 1.6 times higher risk of hypertension (OR = 1.614). The poor have a 1.4 times higher risk of prehypertension (OR = 1.413) and a 1 times higher risk of hypertension (OR = 1.035). People with multimorbidity have a 1.2 times higher risk of both prehypertension (OR = 1.218) and a 4.8 times higher risk of hypertension (OR = 4.867). Conclusions: Male gender, lower education, poverty, age and the presence of multimorbidity are significant predictors of prehypertension and hypertension in the Serbian adult population, so preventive strategies should be aimed at these sensitive population groups.

Sociodemographic predictors of and main reasons for COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in eastern Oslo: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Vaccines are an essential public health strategy to curb viral infection spreading that hinge on vaccine uptake which may be threatened by vaccine hesitant individuals. This study aims to identify sociodemographic predictors of vaccine hesitancy, main reasons for vaccine hesitancy, and how these reasons are explained by sociodemographic characteristics during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A cross-sectional study (N = 5 442) was carried out in June 2021. A web-based survey was conducted among six eastern districts in Oslo with high infection pressure. Sociodemographic variables included gender, age, country of birth, education, and household income. Binary logistic regression models were used to explore predictors of both vaccine hesitancy and specific reasons for hesitancy. RESULTS: Vaccine hesitancy was low overall (5.8%). Findings indicate that participants with younger ages, lower education, and lower household income, and those born outside of Norway were prone to vaccine hesitancy. Over half of the vaccine hesitant sample cited barriers relating to confidence in the vaccines. Women and participants born in Norway were more likely hesitant due to fear of side effects and there being little experience with the vaccines. Otherwise, complacency barriers such as not feeling that they belonged to a risk group (46.1%), not needing the vaccines (39.1%), and wanting the body to develop natural immunity (29.3%) were frequently selected by participants. CONCLUSION: Different determinants of vaccine hesitancy among population groups demonstrate the need for clear public health communication about the risks, benefits, and importance of vaccines. Future studies with a larger sample should verify current findings and further explore the role of convenience barriers in health literacy and language. Health authorities should take these results into account and develop different public health strategies targeted at vulnerable population groups during the current and future pandemics to increase vaccine uptake and reach sufficient immunization.

Sociodemographic predictors of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance: a nationwide US-based survey study.

OBJECTIVES: Acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination is attributable to sociodemographic factors and their complex interactions. Attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccines in the United States are changing frequently, especially since the launch of the vaccines and as the United States faces a third wave of the pandemic. Our primary objective was to determine the relative influence of sociodemographic predictors on COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. The secondary objectives were to understand the reasons behind vaccine refusal and compare COVID-19 vaccine acceptance with influenza vaccine uptake. STUDY DESIGN: This was a nationwide US-based survey study. METHODS: A REDCap survey link was distributed using various online platforms. The primary study outcome was COVID-19 vaccine acceptance (yes/no). Sociodemographic factors, such as age, ethnicity, gender, education, family income, healthcare worker profession, residence regions, local healthcare facility and 'vaccine launch' period (pre vs post), were included as potential predictors. The differences in vaccine acceptance rates among sociodemographic subgroups were estimated by Chi-squared tests, whereas logistic regression and neural networks computed the prediction models and determined the predictors of relative significance. RESULTS: Among 2978 eligible respondents, 81.1% of participants were likely to receive the vaccine. All the predictors demonstrated significant associations with vaccine acceptance, except vaccine launch period. Regression analyses eliminated gender and vaccine launch period from the model, and the machine learning model reproduced the regression result. Both models precisely predicted individual vaccine acceptance and recognised education, ethnicity and age as the most important predictors. Fear of adverse effects and concern with efficacy were the principal reasons for vaccine refusal. CONCLUSIONS: Sociodemographic predictors, such as education, ethnicity and age, significantly influenced COVID-19 vaccine acceptance, and concerns of side-effects and efficacy led to increased vaccine hesitancy.

A multicenter cohort study of potential living kidney donors provides predictors of living kidney donation and non-donation.

This multicenter prospective potential living kidney donor cohort study investigated which sociodemographic and other factors predict progression to living kidney donation or donor withdrawal as little is known on this topic. Therefore, we examined data on individuals undergoing living donor assessment at seven hospitals in the United Kingdom. Multivariable logistic regression was used to explore the relationships between donor and recipient characteristics and likelihood of kidney donation. A total of 805 individuals presented for directed donation to 498 intended recipients, of which 112 received a transplant from a living donor. Potential donors were less likely to donate if their intended recipient was female rather than male with an odds ratio of 0.60, a friend rather than relative 0.18, or had renal failure due to a systemic disease rather than another cause 0.41. The most socioeconomically deprived quintile was less likely to donate than the least 0.49, but the trend with deprivation was consistent with chance. Higher body mass index was associated with a lower likelihood of donation (odds ratio per each kg/m2 increase, 0.92). Younger potential donors (odds ratio per each year increase 0.97), those of nonwhite ethnicity 2.98, and friend donors 2.43 were more likely to withdraw from work-up. This is the first study in the United Kingdom of potential living kidney donors to describe predictors of non-donation. Qualitative work with individuals who withdraw might identify possible ways of supporting those who wish to donate but experience difficulties doing so.

Toward Universal Health Coverage: What Socioeconomic and Clinical Factors Influence Health Insurance Coverage and Restrictions in Access to Viral Hepatitis Services in Nasarawa State, Nigeria?

Background: Viral hepatitis B and C (HBV and HCV) pose significant public health concern in Nigeria, where access to healthcare and treatment affordability are limited. This study investigated sociodemographic and clinical predictors of health insurance coverage and access to care among patients with HBV and HCV in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional facility-based study was conducted at two secondary hospitals in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Participants included patients diagnosed with HBV, HCV, or both who were ≥18 years old. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering sociodemographic and clinical information, health insurance details, and economic impact. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between sociodemographic/clinical factors and health insurance status. Results: Out of 303 participants, 68% had health insurance, which mostly covered hepatitis screening and vaccination. Significant predictors of health insurance coverage included being aged 36-40 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 11.01, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.38-50.89, p = 0.002), having post-secondary education (aOR: 25.2, 95% CI: 9.67-65.68, p < 0.001), being employed (aOR: 27.83, 95% CI: 8.85-87.58, p < 0.001), and being HIV-positive (aOR: 4.06, 95% CI: 1.55-10.61, p = 0.004). Nearly all those insured (99%) faced restrictions in insurance coverage for viral hepatitis services. Conclusions: This study reveals that while health insurance coverage is relatively high among viral hepatitis patients in Nasarawa State, significant restrictions hinder access to comprehensive services, especially for vulnerable groups like younger adults, the unemployed, and PLHIV. Key factors influencing coverage include age, education, employment, and HIV status. Expanding benefit packages to include viral hepatitis diagnosis and treatment, raising awareness about viral hepatitis as part of insurance strategy, improving access for underserved populations, and integrating hepatitis services into existing HIV programs with strong policy implementation monitoring frameworks are crucial to advancing universal health coverage and meeting the WHO's 2030 elimination goals.

Sociodemographic and clinical predictors of adherence to antidepressants in depressive disorders: a systematic review with a meta-analysis.

Introduction: Current evidence reveals concerning rates of non-adherence to antidepressant treatment, possibly influenced by various relevant determinants such as sociodemographic factors or those related to the health system and their professionals. The aim of this paper is to review the scientific evidence on sociodemographic and clinical predictors of adherence to pharmacological treatment in patients diagnosed with a depressive disorder. Methods: a systematic review (SR) was conducted. The search for a previous SR was updated and de novo searches were performed in Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science (WoS) and PsycInfo (last 10 years). The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane tool for non-randomized studies-of Exposure (ROBINS-E). Meta-analyses were conducted. Results: Thirty-nine studies (n = 2,778,313) were included, 24 of them in the meta-analyses. In the initiation phase, no association of adherence was found with any of the predictors studied. In the implementation and discontinuation phases, middle-aged and older patients had better adherence rates and lower discontinuation rates than younger ones. White patients adhered to treatment better than African-American patients. Discussion: Age and ethnicity are presented as the predictive factors of pharmacological adherence. However, more research is needed in this field to obtain more conclusive results on other possible factors. Systematic Review Registration: [https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023414059], identifier [CRD42023414059].

Mental health conditions of Chinese international students and associated predictors amidst the pandemic.

The current study aims to examine the mental health conditions and the associated predictors among Chinese international students. A sample of 256 Chinese international students aged 16 or above living primarily in Canada were asked to complete an online survey. Mental health conditions were assessed with the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 and the Physical and Mental Health Summary Scales. 15.3%, 20.4%, and 10.5% of respondents reported severe to extremely severe depression, anxiety, and stress levels, respectively. Univariate analysis of variance models and multiple linear regression models identified education and financial status as significant sociodemographic predictors while controlling for the effect of physical health status. Higher financial status and lower level of education were associated with better mental health conditions. These findings shed light on our understanding of mental health conditions and the risk factors among Chinese international students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Predictors of job satisfaction among teachers in Germany during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: cross-sectional results of a nationwide online questionnaire.

Introduction: During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic teaching was changed several times to distance learning. To consider the associated stresses and challenges for teachers a nationwide cross-sectional study was performed in March 2021 in which N = 31,089 teachers from Germany participated. Methods: A multiple linear regression model with stepwise inclusion of thematically sorted variables (sociodemographic, SARS-CoV-2- and work-related variables) was used to identify relevant predictors of job satisfaction. Results: The analysis revealed that work-related variables were significant predictors of job satisfaction. In the third regression model, when all variables are included the adjusted R2 was 0.364. Overall, the results showed that, e.g., work predictability (b = 0.097), influence at work (b = 0.118), and meaning of work (b = 0.212) increased job satisfaction. In contrast, increased emotional exhaustion (b = -0.016), feelings of unfair treatment (b = -0.048), and work family conflicts (b = -0.154) deteriorated job satisfaction. Discussion: The results indicate that future research should focus especially the work-related topics in more detail and that job satisfaction is a useful concept for analyzing working conditions from a public health point of view.

Sociodemographic predictors of confirmed COVID-19 mortality and hospitalization among patients in Saudi Arabia: Analyzing a national COVID-19 database.

BACKGROUND: Even with the widespread availability of vaccines for the COVID-19 disease, there is no sign of decline in the rate of spread of the disease. Based on findings of different studies across the globe, the disease is characterized by poor outcomes in specific sociodemographic categories such as age, gender and presence of symptoms. METHODS: In this study, we carried out a multivariable logistic regression analysis on a national database (HESN+) of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Saudi Arabia to determine predictors of hospitalization and mortality for these patients. RESULTS: Data was extracted for 328,301 confirmed COVID- 19 patients (mean age (SD) = 37.79 (1.68)) with 34.92% females and 65.08% males. Of these, 59.87% were Saudi Arabian citizens and 40.13% were non-Saudi. 68.91% of cases were discovered in Riyadh (n = 67,384), Makkah (n = 72,590) and the Eastern Province (n = 79,666). 72.2% of all cases were diagnosed and treated by the Ministry of Health (MOH). Of all confirmed cases, 95.28% showed one or more symptoms associated with COVID-19. 5.48% of these were hospitalized and 1.11% died. Predictors of mortality and hospitalization, respectively, included age (OR; 1.088 and 1.03), being male (OR; 1.443 and 1.138), nationality (OR; 2.11 and 1.993), presence of symptoms (OR; 1.816 and 4.386), and the health care sector in which patients received treatment (MOH OR; 1.352 and 4.731). CONCLUSION: We found that COVID-19-related hospitalization or mortality was higher among males, older adults, and patients showing one or more symptoms, and mortality likelihood was more than fourfold for patients treated by the MOH. Immigrants were also more likely to be hospitalized or die from COVID-19 infection compared to Saudi nationals.

COVID-19 Pandemic in Portugal: Psychosocial and Health-Related Factors Associated with Psychological Discomfort.

The COVID-19 pandemic is a stressful long-lasting event with an increasingly negative impact upon individuals. This study aimed at assessing the magnitude of depression, anxiety, and stress among adults living in Portugal during the first mandatory lockdown of 2020, and the psychosocial and health-related factors associated with these symptoms. A sample of 484 adults (73% women) with an average age of 40 years old (Standard Deviation, SD = 14.03) responded to an online survey. The survey included measures of depression, anxiety, stress, social support, COVID-19 interference in daily life, attitudes towards COVID-19, and health perception. The impact of the lockdown on psychological well-being was large, with up to 36% of the participants showing signs of at least mild psychological discomfort (i.e., depression, anxiety, and stress). Social support, COVID-19 interference on daily life, health perception, and age, explained all the dependent variables. Education level, income, attitudes towards COVID-19, and gender explained some of the dependent variables. These results suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic has a serious impact on the psychological health of Portuguese adults. The role of the procedures to control the pandemic on the mental health of Portuguese adults should not be underestimated.

Non-Pathological Psychological Distress among Mainland Chinese in Canada and Its Sociodemographic Risk Factors amidst the Pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated health inequalities, with a potentially heightened mental health risk for Mainland Chinese in Canada, given the rising anti-Chinese discrimination, and barriers in assessing health services. In this context, this study aimed to assess non-pathological psychological distress towards COVID-19 and identify its sociodemographic risk factors among Mainland Chinese in Canada at the early stages of the pandemic. METHODS: A sample of 731 Mainland Chinese aged 16 or older completed an on-line survey to examine their attitudes, behavioural, and psychological responses towards COVID-19. Non-pathological psychological distress was assessed with a 7-item self-report scale to capture common emotional reactions towards COVID-19. RESULTS: A factor analysis revealed a single-factor structure of the 7-item COVID-19 psychological distress scale (Eigen λ = 3.79). A composite psychological distress index (PDI) score was calculated from these items and used as the outcome variable. Multivariate regression models identified age, financial satisfaction, health status, and perceived/experienced discrimination as significant predictors of psychological distress (ps ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Mainland Chinese in Canada who were over 25, in poor financial/health status, or with perceived/experienced discrimination were at a higher risk for COVID-19-related psychological distress. The health inequity across these factors would inform the services to mitigate mental health risk in minority groups.

Predictors of high trust and the role of confidence levels in seeking cancer-related information.

One of the most commonly searched topics on the internet in the United States is cancer. Our study aims to provide a general overview of the predictors of trust for two health information sources, doctors and the internet, when seeking cancer-related information. The data were obtained from the 2018 HINTS 5 Cycle 2 survey, which was administered from January through May to a total of 3,504 respondents. We carried out next a series of ordinal logistic regression models to identify predictors of high trust in doctors and the internet separately for cancer-seeking information. Demographic predictor variables varied as predictors of high trust for cancer knowledge across both sources. Respondents who reported less confidence in their ability to seek cancer information had significantly higher odds of high trust in both doctors (OR = 8.43, CI: 5.58-12.73) and the internet (OR = 2.93, CI: 1.97-4.35) as compared to those who reported being "completely confident" in their ability to obtain cancer information. Understanding the key predictors of trust in doctors and the internet is crucial to the enhancement of health. The role of confidence as a predictor of trust in seeking cancer information has been shown to consistently influence the levels of trust attributed to each topic.

Sociodemographic and COVID-Related Predictors for Mental Health Condition of Mainland Chinese in Canada Amidst the Pandemic.

The current study investigates the mental health condition of Mainland Chinese in Canada and identifies the associated sociodemographic and COVID-19-related predictors. A sample of 471 Mainland Chinese aged 18 or older completed an online survey that collected information on demographics, experience, cognition, and behaviours related to the COVID-19 pandemic and mental health condition. Mental health condition was assessed with the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) for the depression, anxiety, and stress levels of Mainland Chinese during the pandemic. Moderate to severe depression, anxiety, and stress levels were respectively reported by 11.30%, 10.83%, and 5.10% of respondents. Univariate analysis of variance models (ANOVAs) were conducted to assess mental health condition variance as stratified by independent sociodemographic- or COVID-19-related explanatory variables, to identify possible predictors to be entered into the subsequent regression models. The regression models identified age, income level, health status, and perceived discrimination as significant sociodemographic predictors (absolute value of ßs = 1.19-7.11, ps < 0.05), whereas self-infection worry, attitude towards Canadian measures, information confusion, food/goods stocking, and room cleaning/sanitizing were identified as significant COVID-19-reltaed predictors (absolute value of ßs = 1.33-3.45, ps < 0.05) for mental health outcomes. The results shed light on our understanding of the major factors associated with the mental health condition of Mainland Chinese in Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Influence of Sociodemographic Heterogeneity on the Perceptions of COVID-19: A Countrywide Survey Study in the USA.

Background: Sociodemographic factors such as age, race, education, family income, and sex have been reported to influence COVID-related perceptions, reflected by knowledge, stress, and preventive behavior. We conducted a US-based survey to estimate the difference in COVID-related perceptions among diverse sociodemographic groups and the influence of sociodemographic heterogeneity on COVID-related perceptions. Methods: The survey enquired about sociodemographic parameters and relevant information to measure knowledge, stress, and preventive behavior. COVID-perception scores among sociodemographic subgroups were compared with ANOVA (Bonferroni). The general linear model (GLM) was used to estimate the association among sociodemographic factors and COVID-related perceptions. Results: Females (75%) and White participants (78%) were the predominant (N = 3734). Females, White participants, wealthy, and educated participants demonstrated better knowledge, while participants of minority races, younger ages, low incomes, and females experienced high stress. Females, African-Americans, and educated participants better adopted preventive behaviors. Race, family income, and sex were the highest contributors to the predictive model. Sociodemographic determinants had statistically significant associations with knowledge (F-score = 7.72, p < 0.001; foremost predictor: race), stress (F-score = 16.46, p < 0.001; foremost predictor: income), and preventive behavior (GLM: F-score = 7.72, p < 0.001, foremost predictor: sex). Conclusion: Sociodemographic heterogeneity significantly influenced COVID-related perceptions, while race, family income, and sex were the strongest determinants of COVID-related perceptions.

Sociodemographic Predictors of HIV Infection among Pregnant Women in Botswana: Cross-Sectional Study at 7 Health Facilities.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence and sociodemographic predictors of HIV among pregnant women in Botswana. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of randomly enrolled women aged 18 to 49 years, attending 7 health facilities in Botswana. Data were gathered from November 2017 to March 2018 and analyzed using SPSS version 24. RESULT: Of the 429 women enrolled, 407 (96.4%) were included in the analysis. The HIV prevalence was 17%; 69 of 407 (95% CI: 13.4- 21.0). Women aged 35 to 49 years had higher HIV prevalence than those 18 to 24 years (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 6.2; 95% CI: 2.7-14.4). Illiterate and elementary school educated women had higher HIV prevalence than those with a tertiary education (AOR = 8.5; 95% CI: 1.8-39.1). Those with a history of alcohol intake had a higher HIV prevalence than those without (AOR = 2.6; 95% CI: 1.3-5.3). CONCLUSION: HIV prevalence was lower than it was in 2011. Age, level of education, and history of alcohol intake were strong predictors for HIV infection calling for targeted behavioral change interventions.