ABSTRACT
Background: Inclusion of historically underrepresented populations in research has been a problem existing for many years. The recent Covid pandemic has exposed the significant cost of gaps in access to care. There remains a need to reevaluate current research paradigm frameworks to consider tailored approaches that accommodate any location that would ease participant burden and maintain retention. Current decentralized research models include home and mobile options. However, barriers exist, and certain demographics remain elusive to recruitment into research studies. Aim(s): In this paper, we aim to identify a theoretical framework that will allow for more inclusivity in research. Methodology: Current utilized community-based decentralized research models are compared, barriers in recruitment and retention of interested participants are examined, and a framework individualized to study participants is offered. Result(s): The proposed framework expands upon the complex adaptive systems theory to incorporate community-based research which considers dividing studies into individual study visit components that may differ in location. It allows for ease of research participant access to care and mutual collaboration among providers and institutions. This new theoretical model expansion outlines a novel approach to communitybased participatory research for increased representation and inclusion. Conclusion(s): Investigators should carefully consider creative and effective solutions to overcome barriers to research participation access, increase diversity and representation, and provide tailored public health interventions. Minimally risk study intervention visits may occur in multiple community-driven locations such as: community resource centers, local physician offices, mobile research units, remote electronic visits, home settings, and a combination of the above (hybrid model). Breaking studies into individual study visit components expands the reach of science into the communities that have long been difficult to reach.
ABSTRACT
The current context of a pandemic associated with a new remote educational modality has generated various effects on the world population. University students, and specifically postgraduate students, face various challenges to adapt to this new reality, which could generate certain levels of academic stress. This research of mixed nature sought, first, to determine the main frequencies of the dimensions of academic stress in 67 students of the master's degree in Education of a private university of Lima for which the Inventory of Academic Stress SISCO SV adapted to this context was applied. Secondly, it aimed to propose and evaluate strategies aimed at improving the psychological well-being of these students based on a focus group made to the students. In the initial findings, certain stressors perceived by the students were identified, such as the overload of tasks and works, the manner of evaluation of the teachers, and the perception about the limited time to do the works. In addition, among the most recurrent symptoms, are chronic fatigue, drowsiness or increased need for sleep, restlessness, and anxiety. From the application of strategies of an emotional and academic nature, there was an improvement in the perception declared by the students, which favored their psychological well-being. © 2022 IEEE.
ABSTRACT
Background. Prior to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination availability, medical centers workers were at significant COVID-19 (COVID) infection risk. As part of a program offering free SARS-CoV-2 serology tests to medical center employees, we examined risk factors for prior COVID infection. Methods. From Sept. to Dec. 2020, we advertised free IgG antibody testing to all Los Angeles County-Univ. of Southern California Medical Center (LAC+USC) workforce members (clinical and non-clinical) via repeated email blasts. Antibody was determined using the Abbott SARS-Cov-2 IgG test against SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein. Program participants were asked to fill out a detailed epidemiologic questionnaire about work and non-work COVID risks on their cell phone or on paper at the time of phlebotomy. All testing was done prior to COVID vaccine availability. Results. Among approximately 10,500 workforce members, 1327 had serologies done. Among those 1273 (96%) completed the questionnaire and were included in the analysis. SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies were found in 60 (4.7%). In bivariate analysis, we found associations between SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity and persons who previously tested positive for COVID (OR 175.8 [95% CI 77.6 - 398.6]), persons who thought they had prior COVID but tested negative (OR 3.9 [95% CI 1.3 - 11.4]), and persons who thought they had prior COVID but did not get a COVID test (OR 4.2 [95% CI 1.4 - 12.5]). In a multivariate model of SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity examining work- and non-work-related COVID exposures (Table), seropositivity was associated with work-related COVID exposure without adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) (OR 5.1 [95% CI 2.1 - 12.2]), work-related COVID exposure with adequate PPE (OR 3.5 [95% CI 1.5 - 8.0]), never wearing a mask outside of work (OR 7.1 [95% CI 1.3 - 38.4]), and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander race (OR 6.6 [95% CI 1.7 - 23.4]). Seropositivity was inversely associated with living at home with multiple age groups (OR 0.4 [95% CI 0.2 - 0.8]). Multivariate Model of Exposures Associated with Positive COVID Serology Among LAC+USC Workforce Members Conclusion. Among workers in a large urban medical center prior to COVID vaccine availability, SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity was associated with work-related COVID exposures and low mask use outside of work, suggesting that COVID transmission in workforce members occurs both via occupational and non-occupational routes.