Interactions Between Drinking Motives and Friends in Predicting Young Adults’ Alcohol Use

While drinking motives are well-established proximal predictors of alcohol use, less is known about their role in event-level drinking behavior. The present study examines whether the interaction between individuals’ drinking motives and the number of friends present at a given moment can predict alcohol consumption over the course of the evening. Using the Internet-based cell phone-optimized assessment technique (ICAT), 183 young adults (53.0 % female, mean age?=?23.1) in French-speaking Switzerland completed cell phone questionnaires every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evening over five weekends. A total of 7205 questionnaires completed on 1441 evenings were analyzed. Drinking motives and gender were assessed at baseline, while the hourly alcohol consumption rate and number of friends present were assessed at 8 p.m., 9 p.m., 10 p.m., 11 p.m., and midnight. Multilevel growth curve models with time-invariant and time-varying covariates were estimated for men and women separately. Among women, enhancement motives were associated with an increase in the hourly alcohol consumption rate over the course of the evening (b?=?.025; p?<?.05). The impact of the number of friends present on the hourly consumption rate was stronger among those women who scored high on coping motives at baseline (b?=?.028; p?<?.05). Among men, drinking motives were found to have no moderating effects. Results highlight the role of drinking motives and their interactions with situational characteristics in determining event-level drinking, especially among women. Strategies to prevent risky weekend drinking should focus on both the social environment in which drinking takes place (e.g., the drinking group) and individual drinking motives.     

A Longitudinal Study of Adolescents’ Pornography Use Frequency,Motivations, and Problematic Use Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Archives of Sexual Behavior - Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, an increase in pornography use has been reported based on cross-sectional findings, raising concerns about associated...     

Changes in Adults’ Eating Behaviors During the Initial Months of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Narrative Review

Factors such as regulations and health concerns shifted daily habits, including eating behaviors, during the early months of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This comprehensive narrative review synthesizes research on eating behavior changes during the early months of the pandemic (February to June 2020), including changes in amount, rate, and timing of food consumption, types and healthfulness of foods consumed, the occurrence of other specified eating behaviors (eg, restrained eating or binging), and reasons for eating (eg, stress or cravings), among adults. A literature search using three EBSCOhost databases and Google Scholar was conducted to identify relevant articles made available in 2020. A total of 71 articles representing 250,715 individuals from more than 30 countries were reviewed. Findings show eating behaviors changed little during the early COVID-19 pandemic for most participants. Among those whose eating behaviors changed, increases in both intake and frequency of eating meals and snacks were more common than decreases. Findings on timing of eating and healthfulness of food consumed showed mixed results. However, when changes occurred in the type of food consumed, increases were more common for snacks, homemade pastries, white bread/pasta, legumes, and fruits/vegetables; decreases were more common for meats, seafood/fish, frozen foods, fast food, dark breads/grains, and dark leafy green vegetables. During the pandemic, binging, uncontrolled eating, and overeating increased, meal skipping decreased, and restrictive eating had mixed findings. Changes in factors such as emotions and mood (eg, depression), cravings, and environmental factors (eg, food insecurity) were related to changes in eating behaviors. Findings can inform clinical practitioners in efforts to mitigate disruptions to normal, healthy eating patterns among adults both in and outside of global health catastrophes.     

Americans’ Health Priorities During the COVID-19 Pandemic

ObjectivesThis study aimed to examine how Americans’ opinions of the seriousness of various health-related problems have changed over time and to quantify the public’s preferences for research prioritization.MethodsWe conducted a survey that asked respondents to rate the seriousness of 80 health-related problems on a 4-point Likert scale (“very serious problem,” “somewhat serious problem,” “not too serious of a problem,” or “not a problem at all”). Results were compared with past surveys from 2001 and 2013 that examined the same set of health-related problems (with the exception of COVID-19). The survey also included best-worst scaling questions that asked respondents to select, from 20 health problems, those they considered most and least important for research funding. Respondents were recruited from the KnowledgePanel, a nationally representative sample of American households.ResultsA total of 768 adults completed the survey between September 3, 2020, and September 14, 2020. The health-related problems that Americans consider to be “very serious” generally align with the leading causes of death and noncommunicable diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and mental health; nevertheless, several social determinants of health are also identified. COVID-19 was an unsurprising top priority, whereas cancer remains the highest and a persistent priority for research funding.ConclusionsAmericans consider a diverse set of health-related problems to be “very serious,” with recognition of social determinants of health rising. Our findings offer guidance as to the disease areas for which the public would value further public and private investment in treatment innovations.     

Adolescents’ Time During the First Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Evidence From the American Time Use Survey

PurposeThe aim of this study is to examine where and with whom adolescents spent time during the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic compared to 2019.MethodsTime diary data from the May 2019 to December 2020 waves of the American Time Use Survey were used to examine trends in where and with whom a sample of individuals aged 15–18 years (N = 437) spent their time.ResultsOnly 13% of adolescents spent any time at school on a given day during the pandemic (May-December 2020), compared to 36% in the same period in 2019. Average time with friends decreased by 28%. Over the 7.5-month period, this amounts to an average of 204 fewer hours/34 fewer days in school and 86 fewer hours with friends. Time spent sleeping or sleepless did not change.DiscussionTime at school and with friends decreased substantially during the first months of the pandemic.     

Porndemic? A Longitudinal Study of Pornography Use Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic in a Nationally Representative Sample of Americans

Of the many changes in daily life brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing efforts and governmentally mandated lockdowns were among the most drastic. Coinciding with these changes, popular pornography websites made some previously premium content available for free, spurring dramatic increases in traffic to these websites. This increase in time spent at home and reported increases in traffic to specific pornographic websites led to some speculation that pornography use might generally increase over the course of the pandemic and that problematic use might also increase. To test these speculations and quantify the effects of the pandemic and its associated restrictions on social behaviors on pornography use, we analyzed data from a longitudinal sample of American adults. Baseline, nationally representative data were collected in August 2019 via YouGov (N?=?2518). Subsequent data were collected in February 2020 (n?=?1677), May 2020 (n?=?1533), August 2020 (n?=?1470), and October 2020 (n?=?1269). Results indicated that, in May 2020, immediately following the height of the first wave of pandemic-related lockdowns, more people reported past-month pornography use than at other follow-up time points, but less did so than at baseline. Among those who reported use in May 2020, only 14% reported increases in use since the start of the pandemic, and their use returned to levels similar to all other users by August 2020. In general, pornography use trended downward over the pandemic, for both men and women. Problematic pornography use trended downward for men and remained low and unchanged in women. Collectively, these results suggest that many fears about pornography use during pandemic-related lockdowns were largely not supported by available data.

     

Nursing Home Workers’ Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic in France

ObjectivesThe present study sought to examine mental health problems among nursing home workers in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, to investigate COVID-19–related fears, and to identify prepandemic factors associated with current mental health issues.DesignA cross-sectional, online survey was used.Setting and ParticipantsAll employees among 6 nursing homes in southwestern France (N = 455) were solicited between November, 2020 and June, 2021.MethodsThe survey instrument was developed within the World Mental Health consortium to screen for COVID-related fears, probable generalized anxiety, panic attacks, depression, posttraumatic stress and substance use disorders in the past 30 days.ResultsThe survey was completed by 127 workers (89.0% female, mean age = 43.42 years, SD = 11.29), yielding a 28.5% response rate. Overall, 48.03% reported experiencing fear of infecting others at least most of the time. One in 8 (14.96%) indicated that close others feared being infected by them. One-third of the sample (34.65%) met criteria for at least 1 probable current mental disorder. Panic attacks (22.05%) were the most frequently reported mental health problem, followed by depression (16.54%). In multivariate analyses, the only factor associated with having a current probable mental disorder was the presence of any prepandemic mental health problem (adjusted odds ratio 4.76, 95% CI 2.08-10.89). Type of employment contract, full-time status, and medical vs nonmedical staff status were not significantly associated with mental health status.Conclusions and ImplicationsThe study reveals that one-third of nursing home workers in the sample report current probable mental disorders, and these were largely associated with prepandemic mental health status. Screening for common mental health problems and facilitating access to appropriate care should be prioritized in nursing homes.     

Variations in Medical Students’ Educational Preferences,Attitudes and Volunteerism during the COVID-19 Global Pandemic

Journal of Community Health - Public health crises require individuals, often volunteers, to help minimize disasters. The COVID-19 pandemic required such activation of individuals, but little is...     

Applying General Strain Theory to Examine Perceived Discrimination’s Indirect Relation to Mexican-Heritage Youth’s Alcohol,Cigarette, and Marijuana Use

Latent growth curve modeling was used to test four hypotheses. First, this study hypothesized that acculturation-related variables (e.g., Mexican-heritage youth’s country of origin, time spent in the U.S., and language preference with family and friends) would be associated with initial levels of perceived discrimination. Guided by general strain theory (GST), this study then posed a second hypothesis: Initial levels of perceived discrimination would be indirectly related to initial levels of substance use through initial levels of acculturation stress. Third, this study hypothesized that changes in perceived discrimination would be indirectly related to changes in substance use through changes in acculturation stress. As a fourth hypothesis, it was postulated that initial levels of perceived discrimination would be indirectly related to changes in substance use through changes in acculturation stress. Mexican-heritage youth (N = 1,106) from 29 schools in Phoenix, AZ completed surveys at six waves from 5th through 8th grades. In partial support of the first hypothesis, more time spent in the U.S. and speaking English with friends were associated with lower levels of perceived discrimination. The second hypothesis was not supported. Initial levels of perceived discrimination were positively associated with initial levels of acculturation stress; however, this association was not found between initial levels of acculturation stress and substance use. The third and fourth hypotheses were supported, which buttressed predictions derived from GST. Both initial levels and increases in perceived discrimination were indirectly related to increases in substance use through increases in acculturation stress.     

The Role of Future Orientation and Self-determination on American Indian Adolescents’ Intentions to Use Alcohol and Marijuana

Prevention Science - Substance use (SU) rates among American Indian (AI) adolescents have been greater than national rates for decades, with little progress made on reducing them. Reasons for this...     

Shortages of Staff in Nursing Homes During the COVID-19 Pandemic: What are the Driving Factors?

ObjectivesDuring the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, US nursing homes (NHs) have been under pressure to maintain staff levels with limited access to personal protection equipment (PPE). This study examines the prevalence and factors associated with shortages of NH staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.DesignWe obtained self-reported information on staff shortages, resident and staff exposure to COVID-19, and PPE availability from a survey conducted by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in May 2020. Multivariate logistic regressions of staff shortages with state fixed-effects were conducted to examine the effect of COVID-19 factors in NHs.Setting and Participants11,920 free-standing NHs.MeasuresThe dependent variables were self-reported shortages of licensed nurse staff, nurse aides, clinical staff, and other ancillary staff. We controlled for NH characteristics from the most recent Nursing Home Compare and Certification and Survey Provider Enhanced Reporting, market characteristics from Area Health Resources File, and state Medicaid reimbursement calculated from Truven data.ResultsOf the 11,920 NHs, 15.9%, 18.4%, 2.5%, and 9.8% reported shortages of licensed nurse staff, nurse aides, clinical staff, and other staff, respectively. Georgia and Minnesota reported the highest rates of shortages in licensed nurse and nurse aides (both >25%). Multivariate regressions suggest that shortages in licensed nurses and nurse aides were more likely in NHs having any resident with COVID-19 (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.44, 1.60, respectively) and any staff with COVID-19 (AOR = 1.37, 1.34, respectively). Having 1-week supply of PPE was associated with lower probability of staff shortages. NHs with a higher proportion of Medicare residents were less likely to experience shortages.Conclusions/ImplicationsAbundant staff shortages were reported by NHs and were mainly driven by COVID-19 factors. In the absence of appropriate staff, NHs may be unable to fulfill the requirement of infection control even under the risk of increased monetary penalties.     

Long-Term Care Facilities (LTCFs) During the COVID-19 Pandemic—Lessons From the Asian Approach: A Narrative Review

ObjectivesThe COVID-19 pandemic put into question the organizational skills of LTCF. The containment measures implemented in several Asian countries avoided heavy death tolls in LTCF in contrast to other countries across the globe. The aim of this review is therefore to investigate and illustrate the measures that were undertaken in Asia to contain and prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in LTCF.DesignNarrative review.Setting and ParticipantsAsian older subjects institutionalized in LTCF.MethodsBroad literature research from July 2020–April 2021. The following search terms were used: “COVID-19 Nursing homes” AND the country of interest or “contact tracing.” Eligible categories for inclusion comprise editorials, reviews, government guidelines, letters to the editor, and perspectives. The COVID-19 measures were then subdivided into different sections and compiled into an evidence table.ResultsPrompt measures were put into action since the beginning of the pandemic that avoided the spread of COVID-19 in LTCF. Examples range from simple acts of proper hand hygiene and environmental disinfection, swab testing, social distancing, preventive measures on health care workers, organizational measures such as quarantine, outbreak control, visitor restrictions, relationship with acute hospitals, and admission policy. Technology also played a fundamental role in promoting social distancing by using specific robots and in managing contact tracing.Conclusions and ImplicationsThe Asian preventive control guidelines are similar to those recommended elsewhere. Difference in timing and past experience with prior outbreaks such as SARS and MERS might have favored the Asian response. Furthermore, sociocultural values toward older persons by protecting and making sure that LTCF are part of the health care system could have also played a role.     

Pharmacists’ Willingness to Provide Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Services and the Needs to Support COVID-19 Testing,Management, and Prevention

Journal of Community Health - The need for increased testing is pivotal in the response to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Recently, through the Public Readiness and Emergency...     

Living Alone and Depressive Symptoms among Older Adults in the COVID-19 Pandemic: Role of Non–Face-to-Face Social Interactions

ObjectiveThis study examined the association of living alone with changes in depressive symptom status and the moderating effect of non–face-to-face social interactions among older adults during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.DesignA longitudinal study.Setting and ParticipantsThis study recruited individuals aged ≥ 65 years without long-term care in one semi-urban city in Japan, who completed mailed questionnaires in March (baseline) and October 2020 (follow-up).MethodsBased on depressive symptoms assessed by the Two-Question Screening at baseline and follow-up, participants were classified as: “non-case,” “onset,” “remission,” and “persistence.” Non–face-to-face social interactions during the pandemic, including phone calls or emails with separated families or friends, were dichotomized as “less than weekly interactions” and “weekly interactions.” A multinomial logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the association of living arrangement (living alone or together) with changes in depressive symptoms status.ResultsData of 1001 participants were analyzed (mean age = 79.9 years). Of them, 13.8% lived alone. Overall, 40.6% participants were grouped as “non-case,” 11.7% as “onset,” 11.0% as “remission,” and 27.1% as “persistence.” Living alone was significantly associated with depressive symptom onset (odds ratio: 1.92; 95% CI: 1.03–3.56; P = .039), and a negative interaction (protective effect) was found between living alone and weekly non–face-to-face social interactions for depressive symptom onset.Conclusion and ImplicationsDuring the pandemic, older adults living alone had a higher depressive symptom risk, but non–face-to-face social interactions may have buffered this risk. Our findings suggest the importance of supporting older adults living alone in times of social restrictions such as the pandemic, and furthermore, maintaining social connections, including non–face-to-face relationships, is necessary to protect their mental health.     

Multidirectional Pathways of Tobacco and Marijuana Use,Including Comorbid Use,Among Young Adults (Aged 18–25 Years) in Texas: A Six-Wave Cross-Lagged Model

PurposePrevalence of past 30-day tobacco and marijuana use are highest among young adults in the U.S., and comorbid use of these products is common. However, it is unclear whether the use of one product precedes the other—an important consideration, given the new climate surrounding marijuana legalization and the popularity of e-cigarette products.MethodsSix-panel cross-lagged regression models, with 6 months between each panel/wave, were used to model bidirectional paths between past 30-day use and comorbid use of marijuana and tobacco products from 2014 to 2017 among young adults (N = 5,221 college students, aged 18–25 years).ResultsCombustible tobacco use and e-cigarette use were prospectively associated with greater risk of future marijuana use while controlling for the stability of use over time, age, race/ethnicity, and sex. Marijuana use was prospectively associated with greater risk of future combustible tobacco and e-cigarette use. Comorbid use was common, but while the odds of comorbid use decreased with increasing age, odds of tobacco use increased.ConclusionsMore young adults may be consolidating their use than are successfully ceasing their tobacco or marijuana use as they mature through young adulthood. Although we observed decreases in comorbid use of combustible tobacco with marijuana and e-cigarettes with marijuana, we simultaneously observed strong stability in single use of these products over time. Taken together, these results should help structure interventions specific to young adults that target use and comorbid use in early young adulthood to discourage initiation, encourage cessation, and curb subsequent escalation in later young adulthood.