Tag: statistics

J Perinat Med. 2025 May 27. doi: 10.1515/jpm-2024-0361. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Optimal macronutrient (protein, fat, carbohydrate) values in human milk (HM) are essential for the healthy growth of infants, particularly those with very low birth weight. This study aimed to investigate the correlations between macronutrient content in HM and the characteristics of donations in the Croatian HM bank.

METHODS: A total of 211 pools of HM from 51 donors were included. Analysis of HM was performed on MIRIS Human Milk Analyzer (Miris AB, Uppsala, Sweden). Prior to routine use, a brief verification of MIRIS was performed (between-run and within-run precision).

RESULTS: In precision study the coefficients of variation were all below 10 %, as well as bias, with the exception of the between-run for crude proteins high control level (bias was 12 %). Storage temperature in the donor’s home positively correlated with fat (p=0.004) and energy content (p=0.009) and negatively correlated with carbohydrates (p=0.003). The duration of lactation (p<0.001) and the duration of HM storage (in donor’s home p=0.022; in the bank p=0.001; total duration of HM storage p<0.001) negatively correlated with proteins in HM. Statistically significant difference was obtained for all components (fat p=0.008, proteins p=0.006, carbohydrates p<0.001, energy content p=0.002) when comparing infant’s sex and milk macronutrients, with male infants having higher values.

CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that various factors can affect the macronutrient content of donated HM. It is important to monitor all factors that may impact on the quality of HM.

PMID:40435395 | DOI:10.1515/jpm-2024-0361

Child Care Health Dev. 2025 Jul;51(4):e70106. doi: 10.1111/cch.70106.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Ensuring consistency in both conceptualization and operationalization of physical activity parenting practices is vital for translating insights on parental influences into effective intervention. This study aimed to develop a psychometrically sound measure for comprehensively assessing Chinese parents’ parenting practices regarding early adolescents’ physical activity.

METHODS: A total of 70 measurement items were developed from translating, adapting and revising the Physical Activity Parenting Practice (PAPP) item bank. Content validity was assessed via consultation with 10 experts and cognitive interviews with six 7th graders. The psychometric properties assessed included structural validity via exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis, internal consistency, predictive validity against adolescent-reported physical activity levels and test-retest reliability of construct scores over 2 weeks. The sample comprised 725 adolescents aged 12-15 years, of whom 114 completed the survey twice, 2 weeks apart.

RESULTS: Eight PAPP constructs from the control, structure and autonomy support domains were identified forming a set of 49 measurement items. The structure within each domain demonstrated good model fit and comparable alignment with the international conceptual framework. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of each construct ranged from 0.70 to 0.90. Five construct scores had significant positive associations with adolescents’ physical activity levels (β ranged from 0.14 to 0.43, p < 0.001). Test-retest construct scores generated moderate to large correlations with coefficients ranging from 0.60 to 0.80.

CONCLUSION: Psychometric testing supported the reliability and validity of the physical activity parenting practice questionnaire for Chinese youth (CYPAPP). This culturally adapted measure would enable cross-cultural comparisons to better understand parental influences on adolescents’ physical activity.

PMID:40435389 | DOI:10.1111/cch.70106

JMIR Infodemiology. 2025 May 28;5:e66081. doi: 10.2196/66081.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Vaccine information and misinformation are spread through social media in ways that may vary by platform. Understanding the role social media plays in shaping vaccine preferences is crucial for policymakers and researchers.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to test whether social media use is associated with changes in vaccine preferences during the COVID-19 pandemic in New Zealand, and whether trust in sources of information has a moderating role.

METHODS: Our data consist of a balanced panel of 257 web-based respondents in New Zealand in August 2020, October-November 2020, and March-April 2021. We use a novel approach with stated choice panel data to study transitions between different vaccine preference groups. We analyze the associations between these transitions and social media use. We classify respondents as resistant (never chose a vaccine), hesitant (chose a vaccine between 1 and 5 times), and provaccine (chose a vaccine 6 out of 6 times) in each wave of data.

RESULTS: We found a positive or neutral association between social media use and vaccine uptake. Facebook, Twitter (pre-2022), and TikTok users who are provaccine are less likely to become hesitant or resistant. Facebook and Instagram users who are hesitant are more likely to become pro. Some social media platforms may have a more positive association with vaccine uptake preferences for those who do not trust the government.

CONCLUSIONS: The paper contributes to the wider literature, which shows social media can be associated with reinforcing both pro and antivaccination sentiment, and these results depend on where individuals get their information from and their trust in such sources.

PMID:40435386 | DOI:10.2196/66081

Anal Chem. 2025 May 28. doi: 10.1021/acs.analchem.5c00908. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Parkinson’s Disease (PD), a frequently diagnosed neurodegenerative condition, poses a major global challenge. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for PD treatment. This study proposes a diagnostic model for PD that analyzes volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from ear canal secretions (ECS). Using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to examine ECS samples from patients, four VOC components (ethylbenzene, 4-ethyltoluene, pentanal, and 2-pentadecyl-1,3-dioxolane) were identified as biomarkers with statistically significant differences between PD and non-PD patients. Diagnostic models based on these VOC components demonstrate strong capability in identifying and classifying PD patients. To enhance the accuracy and efficiency of the PD diagnostic model, this study introduces a protocol for extracting features from chromatographic data. By integrating gas chromatography-surface acoustic wave sensors (GC-SAW) with a convolutional neural network (CNN) model, the system achieves an accuracy of up to 94.4%. Further enhancements to the diagnostic model could pave the way for a promising new PD diagnostic solution and the clinical use of a bedside PD diagnostic device.

PMID:40435384 | DOI:10.1021/acs.analchem.5c00908

JMIR Public Health Surveill. 2025 May 28;11:e63960. doi: 10.2196/63960.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: As a potent opioid analgesic, fentanyl transdermal patches (FTDs) have been widely used in patients with moderate to severe pain. However, increasing concerns about the opioid epidemic have made it important to strengthen the rational use and management of FTDs.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to investigate the trends in the use of FTD and to evaluate potentially inappropriate FTD use in patients with noncancer pain, based on established evaluation criteria, referring various recommendations and guidelines.

METHODS: A nationwide cross-sectional study was conducted using a national insurance claims database from 2014 to 2020. The study included patients who were prescribed FTDs at least once a year in an outpatient setting, while excluding cancer or pediatric patients. To identify potentially inappropriate use, we developed evaluation criteria based on the established recommendations for the safe use of prescription opioids in patients with noncancer pain and assessed each patient’s compliance. The working-age and older adult groups were compared to evaluate the differences in FTD use, and modified Lorenz curves and Gini coefficients were used to assess the equality of FTD use.

RESULTS: A total of 5386 patients and their 19,800 reimbursements were included in the study. The number of patients with FTDs decreased from 58.6 to 53.7 per 100,000 registrants between 2014 and 2020. Meanwhile, the number of reimbursements increased by 7.4%, from 203.2 to 218.1 per 100,000 registrants during the same period. The working-age patients had an average of 3.9 reimbursements per year, with an average morphine milligram equivalent per day (MME/day) of 64.4 for each reimbursement. The older adult patients had an average of 3.5 reimbursements per year, and their average MME/day was 47.9. As a result of applying the evaluation criteria, 567 (24.5%) working-age patients and 531 (17.3%) older adult patients were identified as potentially inappropriate FTD users. Among patients with multiple FTD prescriptions, the working-age group with potentially inappropriate FTD use had significantly higher estimated MME/day than the older adult group (P<.001). The modified Lorenz curve showed that more than 70% of the total FTDs used in the working-age group were consumed by those with potentially inappropriate FTD use, while older adult group with potentially inappropriate FTD use accounted for less than 50% of the total older adult patients. The working-age patients also had a higher Gini coefficient than the older adult group, indicating unequal use of FTDs (0.461 vs 0.406).

CONCLUSIONS: Although the number of patients receiving FTD prescriptions has decreased during the study period, the total amount of FTDs consumed increased, suggesting that caution is warranted. This study also highlights the potential for inappropriate FTD use in working-age patients. Further research is needed to quantify and qualify the risk factors in patients with potentially inappropriate use, given the clinical rationale associated with prescribing FTDs.

PMID:40435380 | DOI:10.2196/63960

PLoS One. 2025 May 28;20(5):e0322655. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0322655. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Blood pressure regulation depends heavily on adherence to antihypertensive medication. Additionally, poor adherence to antihypertensive drugs leads to the development of hypertensive complications. However, little is knowen about the factors affecting antihypertensive medication adherance in Ethiopia, and no study has been conducted in the study settings. Therefore, this study aimed to assess antihypertensive medication adherence and associated factors among adult hypertensive patients in selected public hospitals in East Hararghe Zone, Eastern Ethiopia.

METHODS: A facility-based quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted from August 20 to September 20, 2023, among 364 adult hypertensive patients on follow-up in selected public hospitals of eastern Ethiopia. A simple random sampling method was used to select the study participants. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a pretested structured questionnaire. Drug adherence status was assessed using Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-8. Data was analyzed using Epi-Data 3.1 and STATA 17.0, applying bivariate and multivariate logistic regression techniques. The association was declared using p < 0.05.

RESULTS: The overall level of adherence to antihypertensive medications was 59.94% (95% CI: 54.65-65.06). Urban residence (AOR = 1.96; 95% CI: 1.21-3.18), college and higher education level (AOR = 3.41; 95% CI: 1.69-6.87), health insurance coverage user (AOR = 2.00; 95% CI: 1.11-3.59), having knowledge about hypertension (AOR = 1.75; 95% CI: 1.03-2.97), distance to health care facility less than 10 kilometers (AOR = 4.6; 95% CI: 1.97-10.73), having social support (AOR = 1.86; 95% CI: 1.13-3.08), and taking three and above medications (AOR = 0.28; 95% CI: 0.12-0.64) showed a statistically significant association with medication adherence.

CONCLUSION: Adherence to antihypertensive medication was found to be low. This study identified place of residence, educational status, health insurance coverage, social support, knowledge of hypertension, distance from a health care facility, and number of medications as independent predictors of medication adherence. Therefore, improving accessibility of health care facilities, strengthening health insurance coverage, and providing health education about hypertension will improve antihypertensive medication adherence.

PMID:40435367 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0322655

PLoS One. 2025 May 28;20(5):e0323522. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0323522. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND & AIM: Understanding the impact of food exposures outside the home environment is pivotal for helping children establish healthy eating patterns, for the prevention and delay of dental caries and other non-communicable diseases. This study sought to assesses the dietary habits and oral health experiences of primary school children in Johannesburg.

METHODS: This was a cross-sectional analytical study of grade three learners, aged 9-11 years old. The measurement tools used included an observational checklist, a questionnaire, an oral health examination and anthropometric measures for assessing the Body Mass Index (BMI). Correlation and regression analysis were undertaken to determine relationships between sugar intake, calories intake, dmft, DMFT and gingival index.

RESULTS: Of the 107 eligible children participating, 68% were from a school with a feeding scheme and 31.8% with no feeding scheme. The mean (SD) of BMI, dmft, and DMFT were 18.19 (3.59), 3.14 (3.39), and 1.49 (2.10), respectively. The mean sugar content of meals served in schools with a feeding scheme was lower [11.65g (SD 9.6)] than the mean sugar content of food consumed at a schools with no feeding scheme [35.84g (29.9)]. The regression analysis in this population indicated that the low gingival score was associated with high BMI and sugar intake.

CONCLUSION: Although the sugar content of meals served at National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) schools was less that the sugar content accessed by children at Non-NSNP schools, both the schools had poor controls over sugar consumption and purchasing behaviour of the learners. The low gingival score was attributed to socio-economic status and access to toothbrushes and pastes.

PMID:40435360 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0323522

PLoS One. 2025 May 28;20(5):e0323764. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0323764. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

The industrial goods and services sector is crucial for the advancement of the Vietnamese economy in terms of its substantial economic contribution and positive impact on employment. Performance evaluation has become critical in this industry, which has constantly developed and had an intensive rivalry. This paper aims to analyze the performance of industrial goods and services firms during and after COVID-19 using an objective integrated multi-criteria decision-making technique. This study suggests a three-phase model. Criteria Importance Through Intercriteria Correlation (CRITIC) eliminates human judgment errors, increases accuracy, and maintains objectivity in the evaluation variable weighting phase. Then, Evaluation based on Distance from Average Solution (EDAS) and Technique of Order Preference Similarity to the Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) are used as effective cross-validation techniques to evaluate and rank forty-five Vietnam Stock Exchanges-listed firms for each year from 2020 to 2022. The reliability of the CRITIC-based weights is verified by the Statistical Variance Procedure. The research results reveal that the debt term structure is the most vital among the fifteen financial research indicators reflecting a business’s solvency, profitability, growth, operating efficiency, and capital structure. Additionally, the research findings indicate discrepancies in the rankings produced by EDAS and TOPSIS. However, the disparities are not grave, and the top and bottom positions, in particular, remain consistent between the two approaches. PDN was the best firm during COVID-19 and was succeeded by CIA after the pandemic. Pursuing digital transformation, sustainable development, and keeping inventory turnover at high levels are common characteristics of successful businesses in this industry. For the first time, the article provides a performance analysis of Vietnamese industrial goods and services firms. It is a significant reference for domestic and international investors in portfolio selection, financial institutions in loan approval, managers and policymakers in planning and policy development, and researchers conducting investigations within this domain.

PMID:40435355 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0323764

PLoS One. 2025 May 28;20(5):e0324559. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0324559. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

Accurate estimation of the finite population mean is a fundamental challenge in survey sampling, especially when dealing with large or complex populations. Traditional methods like simple random sampling may not always provide reliable or efficient estimates in such cases. Motivated by this, the current study explores complex sampling techniques to improve the precision and accuracy of mean estimators. Specifically, we employ two-stage and three-stage cluster sampling methods to develop unbiased estimators for the finite population mean. Building upon these, the next phase of the study formulates unbiased mean estimators using stratified two- and three-stage cluster sampling. To further enhance the precision of these estimators, a ranked-set sampling strategy is applied to the secondary and tertiary sampling stages. Additionally, unbiased variance estimators corresponding to the proposed mean estimators are derived. Real-world datasets are utilized to demonstrate the application of these complex survey sampling methodologies, with results showing that the mean estimates derived using ranked set sampling are more accurate than those obtained via simple random sampling.

PMID:40435354 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0324559

PLoS One. 2025 May 28;20(5):e0316508. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0316508. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The use of health research evidence is essential for informed decision-making and effective health planning. Despite its importance, there is limited understanding of the determinants for the use of such evidence in planning processes, particularly in lower-middle-income countries (LMICs) like Tanzania. This study aims to investigate the proportion and determinants that affect the use of health research evidence in health planning in Tanzania.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This quantitative study employed a cross-sectional design. Data on health research evidence and the factors influencing its use were collected using a structured questionnaire from 422 healthcare workers involved in planning within 9 regions of Tanzania from October to December 2023. The association between categorical variables was assessed using a chi-square test, while regression analysis was conducted to identify determinants, both at a 95% confidence level.

RESULTS: The study revealed that 270 (66.2%) of health planning team members strongly agreed that they use health research evidence during planning. Several key determinants were significantly associated with the level of research evidence utilization. These included limited dissemination of research findings (74.5%), inadequate human and non-human resources (70.0%), and insufficient knowledge and training in research (63.7%). A multivariate regression analysis confirmed significant associations between the determinants and the use of research evidence (p<0.05). Descriptive statistics revealed that over 70% of respondents identified the presence of research coordinators, partnerships with universities, availability of research budgets, and internet access as important factors in their research. Inferential analysis indicated that these factors were statistically significantly associated with the use of health research evidence. In addition, more than half of the participants stated motivational factors, such as the presence of continuous quality improvement initiatives, the availability of short- and long-term training programs, on-the-job training opportunities, and incentives like extra duty allowances, as contributors to the enhanced use of research evidence. Bottom of Form.

CONCLUSION: The study found that planning team members used health research evidence in planning, but several determinants, such as lack of dissemination, resource shortages, and inadequate training, persisted. Interventions should focus on improving dissemination, resources, and training. Future research should explore strategies for enhancing these interventions.

PMID:40435352 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0316508