The association of long working hours and the use of prescription sedatives among U.S. workers.

BACKGROUND: Meeting the needs of a round-the-clock and globalized society has led to an increase in long working hours. This trend has been accompanied by a corresponding rise in sleep disorders and subsequent use of sedating medications. Overtime hours have been associated with adverse health outcomes such as cardiovascular diseases, symptoms of psychological distress, and health behaviors, including risky intake of alcohol and smoking. Hence, the main objectives of this three-paper dissertation were to examine the multi-faceted relationship between working hours, the use of prescription sleep aids, the onset of psychological distress, and the use of health care services. METHODS: The 2010-2019 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) data was utilized. The first paper investigated the relationship between working hours and the use of prescribed sedating medications. Different regression models were employed, ranging from multivariable linear regression, Tobit regression, Heckman regression, and multivariable logistic regression. The second paper utilized a fixed-effect linear model in evaluating the relationship between working hours and the onset of psychological distress. The third paper also employed fixed-effect estimators in modeling the association between working hours, health care utilization, and the use of sedating medications. FINDINGS: Long working hours were associated with increased odds of using sleep aids and medications with sedative properties. Females had a higher likelihood of using sleep aids when compared to males. Also, professional services had the highest likelihood of using sleep medications. Over time hours was associated with the onset of psychological distress, with differences in the risk of onset across gender. Respondents working very long hours had the highest odds of using outpatient medical services. This association between very long hours and the use of outpatient services was significantly more pronounced in respondents using medications with sedating side effects. CONCLUSIONS: Long working hours were associated with an elevated risk of using sedating medications, developing psychological distress, and healthcare utilization. This highlights the probable negative impact of overtime hours on the health status of individuals. Implementing policies that encourage work-life balance and aid interventions that decrease work-related stress may help in mitigating risks associated with long work hours

Facial Mask Use and COVID-19 Protection Measures in Jefferson County, Kentucky: Results from an Observational Survey, November 5−11, 2020

Introduction: The transmission of respiratory infectious diseases such as COVID-19 can significantly decrease by mask-wearing. However, accurate information about the extent and proper use of the facial mask is scarce. This study’s main objective was to observe and analyze mask-wearing behavior and the level of COVID-19 protection measures in indoor public areas (PAs) of Jefferson County, Kentucky. Methods: For conducting the observational survey study, targets were indoor PAs, and zip codes were defined as surveying clusters. The number of selected PAs in each zip code was proportional to the population and the total number of PAs in that zip code. The PA pool in a zip code was divided into four groups, followed by random selection without replacement from each group. Results: A total of 191 PAs were surveyed: 50 of them were grocery stores, 56 were convenience stores or pharmacies, 39 were wine and liquor stores, and 46 were other stores. At least one unmasked and one incorrectly masked staff were observed in 26% and 40% of the sampled PAs, respectively. Also, in 29% and 35% of the PAs, at least one unmasked and one incorrectly masked visitor were observed, respectively. The rates varied by PA size and county district. Eighty percent of unmasked staff and 75% of the unmasked visitors were male. The rate of unmasked males varied from 50% to 100% across districts. About 66% of unmasked staff among all Jefferson County districts were young adults. More than one-fourth of all the PAs provided hand sanitizer for visitors’ use, and only 2% of the PAs provided masks to their visitors. Conclusion: Messaging about mask use and correct usage may need to particularly target the 19-44-year-old male population, as these individuals were the most prevalent among those unmasked and masked incorrectly. Additionally, businesses’ protective measures may depend on their resources to operate in such a manner. Hand sanitizer is easier to offer visitors, while staffing to regularly sanitize carts or funds to provide a sufficient number of wipes, gloves, or masks may present further opportunities for government assistance

From images to voices: A photo analysis of medical and social support needs of people living with HIV/AIDS in Tanzania

Background Tanzania is one of the countries hardest hit by HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa. Since early 1980s, different levels of community interventions have been designed to provide care and address challenges faced by people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). These efforts are of little value, however, if they lack the opinion of PLWHA on their needs. We used photographs taken and selected by PLWHA to identify perceived needs and challenges related to daily living with the disease. Methods A qualitative, cross-sectional study using the Photovoice method was conducted to assess the perceptions of PLWHA relative to service needs associated with HIV care. Results Through the content analysis method, PLWHA needs were generated based on major categories of financial resources, psychological support, cultural competency and patient empowerment and engagement in HIV care and services. Conclusion This study generated information that could be useful in promoting increased awareness of PLWHAs’ service needs to the local and global communities. Of particular importance is the policy implication geared towards promoting advocacy with meaningful inclusion of the opinion of PLWHA in designing, delivery, and monitoring of HIV/AIDS-related social and health services

From images to voices: A photo analysis of medical and social support needs of people living with HIV/AIDS in Tanzania

Background Tanzania is one of the countries hardest hit by HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa. Since early 1980s, different levels of community interventions have been designed to provide care and address challenges faced by people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). These efforts are of little value, however, if they lack the opinion of PLWHA on their needs. We used photographs taken and selected by PLWHA to identify perceived needs and challenges related to daily living with the disease. Methods A qualitative, cross-sectional study using the Photovoice method was conducted to assess the perceptions of PLWHA relative to service needs associated with HIV care. Results Through the content analysis method, PLWHA needs were generated based on major categories of financial resources, psychological support, cultural competency and patient empowerment and engagement in HIV care and services. Conclusion This study generated information that could be useful in promoting increased awareness of PLWHAs’ service needs to the local and global communities. Of particular importance is the policy implication geared towards promoting advocacy with meaningful inclusion of the opinion of PLWHA in designing, delivery, and monitoring of HIV/AIDS-related social and health services