PLoS Articles
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UNC-authored articles published by the Public Library of Science (PLoS)
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1. Using detrending to assess SARS-CoV-2 wastewater loads as a leading indicator of fluctuations in COVID-19 cases at fine temporal scales: Correlations across twenty sewersheds in North Carolina
- Title Tesim:
- Using detrending to assess SARS-CoV-2 wastewater loads as a leading indicator of fluctuations in COVID-19 cases at fine temporal scales: Correlations across twenty sewersheds in North Carolina
- Creator:
- Blackwood, Denene, Engel, Lawrence, Berkowitz, Steven, Clerkin, Thomas, de los Reyes, Francis, Serre, Marc, Cahoon, Lawrence, Stewart, Jill, Beattie, Rachelle, Guidry, Virginia T., Frampton, Arthur, Kotlarz, Nadine, Hoffman, Kelly, Christensen, Ariel, Kazenelson, Jacob, Reckling, Stacie, Lee, Allison, Mitasova, Helena, Munir, Mariya, Holcomb, David, Noble, Rachel, and Harris, Angela
- Date of publication:
- 2023
- Abstract Tesim:
- Wastewater surveillance emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic as a novel strategy for tracking the burden of illness in communities. Previous work has shown that trends in wastewater SARS-CoV-2 viral loads correlate well with reported COVID-19 case trends over longer time periods (i.e., months). We used detrending time series to reveal shorter sub-trend patterns (i.e., weeks) to identify leads or lags in the temporal alignment of the wastewater/case relationship. Daily incident COVID-19 cases and twice-weekly wastewater SARS-CoV-2 viral loads measured at 20 North Carolina sewersheds in 2021 were detrended using smoothing ranges of ∞, 16, 8, 4 and 2 weeks, to produce detrended cases and wastewater viral loads at progressively finer time scales. For each sewershed and smoothing range, we calculated the Spearman correlation between the cases and the wastewater viral loads with offsets of -7 to +7 days. We identified a conclusive lead/lag relationship at 15 of 20 sewersheds, with detrended wastewater loads temporally leading detrended COVID-19 cases at 11 of these sites. For the 11 leading sites, the correlation between wastewater loads and cases was greatest for wastewater loads sampled at a median lead time of 6 days before the cases were reported. Distinct lead/lag relationships were the most pronounced after detrending with smoothing ranges of 4–8 weeks, suggesting that SARS-CoV-2 wastewater viral loads can track fluctuations in COVID-19 case incidence rates at fine time scales and may serve as a leading indicator in many settings. These results could help public health officials identify, and deploy timely responses in, areas where cases are increasing faster than the overall pandemic trend.
- Resource type:
- Article
- Affiliation Label Tesim:
- Institute of Marine Sciences, Department of Epidemiology, and Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering
- DOI:
- https://doi.org/10.17615/24ka-n338
- Edition:
- Publisher
- Identifier:
- https://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pwat.0000140
- ISSN:
- 2767-3219
- Journal Issue:
- 10
- Journal Title:
- PLOS Water
- Journal Volume:
- 2
- Keyword:
- Public and occupational health, North Carolina, Viral load, Epidemiology, SARS CoV 2, Virus testing, Disease surveillance, and COVID 19
- Language Label:
- English
- License Label:
- Attribution 4.0 International
- ORCID:
- Other Affiliation:
- , North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, North Carolina State University, University of North Carolina at Wilmington, and University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- Page Start:
- e0000140
- Person:
- Blackwood, Denene, Engel, Lawrence, Berkowitz, Steven, Clerkin, Thomas, de los Reyes, Francis, Serre, Marc, Cahoon, Lawrence, Stewart, Jill, Beattie, Rachelle, Guidry, Virginia T., Frampton, Arthur, Kotlarz, Nadine, Hoffman, Kelly, Christensen, Ariel, Kazenelson, Jacob, Reckling, Stacie, Lee, Allison, Mitasova, Helena, Munir, Mariya, Holcomb, David, Noble, Rachel, and Harris, Angela
- Publisher:
- Public Library of Science
- Source:
- c970eb4d-fa69-4b28-9404-7d1de7e710ba
2. Ten simple rules for interpreting and evaluating a meta-analysis
- Title Tesim:
- Ten simple rules for interpreting and evaluating a meta-analysis
- Creator:
- Martin J.R., Beckett R.D., and Carlson R.B.
- Date of publication:
- 2023
- Abstract Tesim:
- A systematic review with meta-analysis is often considered the highest level of evidence in ranking the literature. The term “systematic review” refers to the overall publication, while the term “meta-analysis” indicates that the review includes a statistical synthesis of results from at least 2 of the included studies. Not all systematic reviews include a meta-analysis, but meta-analyses are always within a systematic review. There are different types of metaanalyses in which statistical analysis can be performed, including network meta-analysis and Bayesian meta-analysis. While these meta-analysis methods can vary, the majority are “variations on a weighted average of the effect estimates from the different studies.”
- Resource type:
- Article
- Affiliation Label Tesim:
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Health Sciences Library
- DOI:
- https://doi.org/10.17615/mz9f-w751
- Edition:
- Publisher
- Identifier:
- https://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pcbi.1011461
- ISSN:
- 1553-734X
- Journal Issue:
- 9
- Journal Title:
- PLoS Computational Biology
- Journal Volume:
- 19
- Keyword:
- statistical significance, citation analysis, human, methodology, Article, meta analysis (topic), data extraction, bibliographic database, documentation, sensitivity analysis, and publication bias
- Language Label:
- English
- License Label:
- Attribution 4.0 International
- ORCID:
- Other Affiliation:
- University of Arizona, Parkview Health, and
- Person:
- Martin J.R., Beckett R.D., and Carlson R.B.
- Publisher:
- Public Library of Science
- Source:
- 36e08d1b-9346-4b78-bdf9-90c803821f71
3. Prioritizing persons deprived of liberty in global guidelines for tuberculosis preventive treatment
- Title Tesim:
- Prioritizing persons deprived of liberty in global guidelines for tuberculosis preventive treatment
- Creator:
- Narayan A., da Silva L.F., Dockhorn F., García-Basteiro A.L., Rueda Z.V., Salindri A.D., Herce M.E., Telisinghe L., Charalambous S., Muyoyeta M., Gonçalves C.C.M., Andrews J.R., Sequera G., Possuelo L.G., Velen K., Altice F.L., Grandjean L., Aguirre S., Croda J., Shenoi S.V., Keshavjee S., and Estigarribia G.
- Date of publication:
- 2023
- Abstract Tesim:
- Persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) are disproportionately impacted by tuberculosis, with high incidence rates and often limited access to diagnostics, treatment, and preventive measures. The World Health Organization (WHO) expanded its recommendations for tuberculosis preventive treatment (TPT) to many high-risk populations, but their guidance does not include PDL, and most low- and middle-income countries do not routinely provide edforthoseusedthroughoutthetext TPT in prisons. :Pleaseverifythatallentriesarecorrectlyabbreviated: Recent studies demonstrate high acceptability and completion rates of short-course TPT regimens in jails and prisons; costs of these regimens have been markedly reduced through international agreements, making this an opportune for further expanding their use. We argue that PDL should be a priority group for TPT in national guidelines and discuss implementation considerations and resource needs for TPT programs in carceral facilities. Scaling access to TPT for PDL is important for reducing disease and transmission in this population; it is also critical to advancing an equitable response to tuberculosis.
- Resource type:
- Article
- DOI:
- https://doi.org/10.17615/8v5r-k135
- Edition:
- Publisher
- Identifier:
- https://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1004288
- ISSN:
- 1549-1277
- Journal Issue:
- 10
- Journal Title:
- PLoS Medicine
- Journal Volume:
- 20
- Keyword:
- liver injury, incidence, disease transmission, human, coinfection, Article, liver toxicity, freedom, screening, risk factor, Freedom, practice guideline, Humans, correctional facility, hepatitis B, policy, comorbidity, Tuberculosis, drug induced hepatitis, tuberculosis, virus hepatitis, hepatitis C, Human immunodeficiency virus infection, and Policy
- Language Label:
- English
- License Label:
- Attribution 4.0 International
- ORCID:
- Other Affiliation:
- Stanford University, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Health and Environmental Surveillance Secretariat, Universitat de Barcelona, University of Manitoba, , London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, The Aurum Institute, Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Universidad Nacional de Asunción, Santa Cruz do Sul University, Yale School of Medicine, University College London, Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and Instituto Regional de Investigación en Salud
- Person:
- Narayan A., da Silva L.F., Dockhorn F., García-Basteiro A.L., Rueda Z.V., Salindri A.D., Herce M.E., Telisinghe L., Charalambous S., Muyoyeta M., Gonçalves C.C.M., Andrews J.R., Sequera G., Possuelo L.G., Velen K., Altice F.L., Grandjean L., Aguirre S., Croda J., Shenoi S.V., Keshavjee S., and Estigarribia G.
- Publisher:
- Public Library of Science
- Source:
- 3154ad5b-f564-4f32-9f8d-a094677832fa
4. Particle-based simulations reveal two positive feedback loops allow relocation and stabilization of the polarity site during yeast mating
- Title Tesim:
- Particle-based simulations reveal two positive feedback loops allow relocation and stabilization of the polarity site during yeast mating
- Creator:
- Elston T.C., Curtis E.R., Guan K., and Lew D.J.
- Date of publication:
- 2023
- Abstract Tesim:
- Many cells adjust the direction of polarized growth or migration in response to external directional cues. The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae orient their cell fronts (also called polarity sites) up pheromone gradients in the course of mating. However, the initial polarity site is often not oriented towards the eventual mating partner, and cells relocate the polarity site in an indecisive manner before developing a stable orientation. During this reorientation phase, the polarity site displays erratic assembly-disassembly behavior and moves around the cell cortex. The mechanisms underlying this dynamic behavior remain poorly understood. Particle-based simulations of the core polarity circuit revealed that molecular-level fluctuations are unlikely to overcome the strong positive feedback required for polarization and generate relocating polarity sites. Surprisingly, inclusion of a second pathway that promotes polarity site orientation generated relocating polarity sites with properties similar to those observed experimentally. This pathway forms a second positive feedback loop involving the recruitment of receptors to the cell membrane and couples polarity establishment to gradient sensing. This second positive feedback loop also allows cells to stabilize their polarity site once the site is aligned with the pheromone gradient.
- Resource type:
- Article
- Affiliation Label Tesim:
- Department of Pharmacology and Curriculum in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
- DOI:
- https://doi.org/10.17615/cq5q-7w06
- Edition:
- Publisher
- Identifier:
- https://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pcbi.1011523
- ISSN:
- 1553-734X
- Journal Issue:
- 10
- Journal Title:
- PLoS Computational Biology
- Journal Volume:
- 19
- Keyword:
- feedback system, A-stable, Article, computer model, positive feedback, Matings, simulation, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Assembly-disassembly, Yeast, Positive feedback loop, cell polarity, Cortexes, yeast, Particle-based simulation, photosynthesis, nonhuman, mating, pheromone, Reorientation phase, Feedback, Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Dynamic behaviors, Cytology, neurite outgrowth, molecular dynamics, Polarized growth, and Cells
- Language Label:
- English
- License Label:
- Attribution 4.0 International
- ORCID:
- Other Affiliation:
- and Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Person:
- Elston T.C., Curtis E.R., Guan K., and Lew D.J.
- Publisher:
- Public Library of Science
- Source:
- 21b7a41d-e636-4c10-be0b-352f45a667bf
5. Opposing action of the FLR-2 glycoprotein hormone and DRL-1/FLR-4 MAP kinases balance p38-mediated growth and lipid homeostasis in C. elegans
- Title Tesim:
- Opposing action of the FLR-2 glycoprotein hormone and DRL-1/FLR-4 MAP kinases balance p38-mediated growth and lipid homeostasis in C. elegans
- Creator:
- Dowen R.H., Park A.Y., Torzone S.K., Cohen N.R., and Breen P.C.
- Date of publication:
- 2023
- Abstract Tesim:
- AAUnim: Pallseainsetecgonrafitremdtheavteallolhpemadeinntgalleavenldsanruertreiptiroensaenl tseidgcnoarlrsebctelyfo: re committing crucial resources to growth and reproduction; however, the pathways that perceive and respond to these inputs remain poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that DRL-1 and FLR-4, which share similarity with mammalian mitogen-activated protein kinases, maintain lipid homeostasis in the C. elegans intestine. DRL-1 and FLR-4 function in a protein complex at the plasma membrane to promote development, as mutations in drl-1 or flr-4 confer slow growth, small body size, and impaired lipid homeostasis. To identify factors that oppose DRL-1/FLR-4, we performed a forward genetic screen for suppressors of the drl-1 mutant phenotypes and identified mutations in flr-2 and fshr-1, which encode the orthologues of follicle stimulating hormone and its putative G protein-coupled receptor, respectively. In the absence of DRL-1/FLR-4, neuronal FLR-2 acts through intestinal FSHR-1 and protein kinase A signaling to restrict growth. Furthermore, we show that opposing signaling through DRL-1 and FLR-2 coordinates TIR-1 oligomerization, which modulates downstream p38/ PMK-1 activity, lipid homeostasis, and development. Finally, we identify a surprising noncanonical role for the developmental transcription factor PHA-4/FOXA in the intestine where it restricts growth in response to impaired DRL-1 signaling. Our work uncovers a complex multi-tissue signaling network that converges on p38 signaling to maintain homeostasis during development.
- Resource type:
- Article
- Affiliation Label Tesim:
- Department of Biology and Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences
- DOI:
- https://doi.org/10.17615/v3vk-va38
- Edition:
- Publisher
- Identifier:
- https://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.3002320
- ISSN:
- 1544-9173
- Journal Issue:
- 9
- Journal Title:
- PLoS Biology
- Journal Volume:
- 21
- Keyword:
- protein analysis, gene, synaptophysin, oil red o staining, Animals, Hormones, staining, CRISPR-CAS9 system, fluorescence intensity, lifespan, Lipids, glycoprotein, G protein coupled receptor, coimmunoprecipitation, transgenic animal, real time polymerase chain reaction, MAPK signaling, follitropin, metabolism, gene editing, lipid, Caenorhabditis elegans protein, Glycoproteins, RNA isolation, Escherichia coli, animal, homeostasis, RNA interference, mitogen activated protein kinase p38, oligomerization, hormone, FLR 2, autofluorescence, Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins, genetics, growth rate, mammal, Mammals, Western blotting, growth, unclassified drug, imaging, ultrasound, nonhuman, mitogen activated protein kinase, brood size, Caenorhabditis elegans, lipid homeostasis, body size, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases, Homeostasis, Article, cyclic AMP dependent protein kinase, whole genome sequencing, and DRL-1/FLR-4 gene
- Language Label:
- English
- License Label:
- Attribution 4.0 International
- ORCID:
- Other Affiliation:
- Person:
- Dowen R.H., Park A.Y., Torzone S.K., Cohen N.R., and Breen P.C.
- Publisher:
- Public Library of Science
- Source:
- 4430be9e-8143-4b96-a1db-6271a607765c
6. Microbial community function and bacterial pathogen composition in pit latrines in peri-urban Malawi
- Title Tesim:
- Microbial community function and bacterial pathogen composition in pit latrines in peri-urban Malawi
- Creator:
- Chigwechokha, Petros, Brown, Joe, Capone, Drew, de los Reyes III, Francis L., Smith, Savanna K., Risk, Benjamin B., Holm, Rochelle H., and Tilley, Elizabeth
- Date of publication:
- 2023
- Abstract Tesim:
- Despite the widespread global reliance on pit latrines as improved sanitation systems, the decomposition of waste within pit latrines is poorly understood. One area needing elucidation is the characterization and function of microbial communities within pit latrines. To address this gap, we characterized the microbial communities of 55 lined pit latrines at three sampling layers from two communities in peri-urban Malawi. The microbial communities of the fecal sludge samples were analyzed for beta diversity, pathogen presence, and functional profiling. Household surveys were conducted and used to compare microbial community patterns to household characteristics and pit latrine use patterns. Compared to activated sludge, anaerobic digestion in municipal wastewater systems, and human gut microbiomes, pit latrines were found to contain unique microbial communities. While the microbial community composition as a whole did not vary by sampling depth, pathogen composition varied by sampling depth, location, and household water source. The inferred microbial function also varied by depth (e.g., increase in methanogens and decrease in aerobes with depth). The richness of lined pit latrines determined from surface samples from eight latrines was found to be representative for a given area. Samples from middle and lower depths collected using a Gulper pump did not provide more information on richness, a result that informs future sampling designs. These findings are important for improving waste-based epidemiology (WBE) approaches to understand community health and waste degradation characterization of lined pit latrines.
- Resource type:
- Article
- Affiliation Label Tesim:
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering
- DOI:
- https://doi.org/10.17615/fe83-xs30
- Edition:
- Publisher
- Identifier:
- https://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pwat.0000171
- ISSN:
- 2767-3219
- Journal Issue:
- 10
- Journal Title:
- PLOS Water
- Journal Volume:
- 2
- Keyword:
- Species diversity, Ribosomal RNA, Bacterial pathogens, Microbial pathogens, Sludge, Microbiome, Archaea, and Methanogens
- Language Label:
- English
- License Label:
- Attribution 4.0 International
- ORCID:
- Other Affiliation:
- Malawi University of Science and Technology, , Indiana University, Bloomington, North Carolina State University, Emory University, Mzuzu University, and ETH Zurich
- Page Start:
- e0000171
- Person:
- Chigwechokha, Petros, Brown, Joe, Capone, Drew, de los Reyes III, Francis L., Smith, Savanna K., Risk, Benjamin B., Holm, Rochelle H., and Tilley, Elizabeth
- Publisher:
- Public Library of Science
- Source:
- 065a6f2a-0c6e-4f65-abe5-d84ed53f6fbd
7. Maternal adverse childhood experiences on child growth and development in rural Pakistan: An observational cohort study
- Title Tesim:
- Maternal adverse childhood experiences on child growth and development in rural Pakistan: An observational cohort study
- Creator:
- Maselko, Joanna, Scherer, Elissa, Bates, Lisa, Chung, Esther O., Sikander, Siham, Zalla, Lauren C., Hagaman, Ashley, LeMasters, Katherine, and Staley, Brooke S.
- Date of publication:
- 2023
- Abstract Tesim:
- Maternal adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have significant impacts on the next generation with links to negative birth outcomes, impaired cognitive development, and increased socioemotional problems in children. However, not all types or levels of adversity are similarly deleterious and research from diverse contexts is needed to better understand why and how intergenerational transmission of adversity occurs. We examined the role of maternal ACEs on children’s growth, cognitive, and socioemotional development at 36 months postpartum in rural Pakistan. We used data from 877 mother-child dyads in the Bachpan Cohort, a birth cohort study. Maternal ACEs were captured using an adapted version of the ACE-International Questionnaire. Outcomes at 36 months of age included child growth using the WHO growth z-scores, fine motor and receptive language development assessed with the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, and socioemotional and behavioral development measured with the Ages and Stages Questionnaire: Socioemotional and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. To estimate the associations between maternal ACEs and child outcomes, we used multivariable generalized linear models with inverse probability weights to account for sampling and loss to follow-up. Over half of mothers in our sample (58%) experienced at least one ACE. Emotional abuse, physical abuse, and emotional neglect were the most commonly reported ACEs. We found null relationships between the number of maternal ACEs and child growth. Maternal ACEs were associated with higher fine motor and receptive language development and worse socioemotional and behavioral outcomes. Maternal ACE domains had similarly varying relationships with child outcomes. Our findings highlight the complexity of intergenerational associations between maternal ACEs and children’s growth and development. Further work is necessary to examine these relationships across cultural contexts and identify moderating factors to mitigate potential negative intergenerational effects.
- Resource type:
- Article
- Affiliation Label Tesim:
- Department of Epidemiology
- DOI:
- https://doi.org/10.17615/43dp-w241
- Edition:
- Publisher
- Identifier:
- https://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgph.0001669
- ISSN:
- 2767-3375
- Journal Issue:
- 10
- Journal Title:
- PLOS Global Public Health
- Journal Volume:
- 3
- Keyword:
- Child growth, Low and middle income countries, Domestic violence, Child development, Mothers, Language, Emotions, and Depression
- Language Label:
- English
- License Label:
- Attribution 4.0 International
- ORCID:
- Other Affiliation:
- , Columbia University, University of Liverpool, and Yale School of Public Health
- Page Start:
- e0001669
- Person:
- Maselko, Joanna, Scherer, Elissa, Bates, Lisa, Chung, Esther O., Sikander, Siham, Zalla, Lauren C., Hagaman, Ashley, LeMasters, Katherine, and Staley, Brooke S.
- Publisher:
- Public Library of Science
- Source:
- 25a0e2ab-0176-4192-a5cd-7e7d08b3d58c
8. Inferred Attractiveness: A generalized mechanism for sexual selection that can maintain variation in traits and preferences over time
- Title Tesim:
- Inferred Attractiveness: A generalized mechanism for sexual selection that can maintain variation in traits and preferences over time
- Creator:
- Servedio M.R., Fitzpatrick C.L., Hobson E.A., and DuVal E.H.
- Date of publication:
- 2023
- Abstract Tesim:
- Sexual selection by mate choice is a powerful force that can lead to evolutionary change, and models of why females choose particular mates are central to understanding its effects. Predominant mate choice theories assume preferences are determined solely by genetic inheritance, an assumption still lacking widespread support. Moreover, preferences often vary among individuals or populations, fail to correspond with conspicuous male traits, or change with context, patterns not predicted by dominant models. Here, we propose a new model that explains this mate choice complexity with one general hypothesized mechanism, “Inferred Attractiveness.” In this model, females acquire mating preferences by observing others’ choices and use context-dependent information to infer which traits are attractive. They learn to prefer the feature of a chosen male that most distinguishes him from other available males. Over generations, this process produces repeated population-level switches in preference and maintains male trait variation. When viability selection is strong, Inferred Attractiveness produces population-wide adaptive preferences superficially resembling “good genes.” However, it results in widespread preference variation or nonadaptive preferences under other predictable circumstances. By casting the female brain as the central selective agent, Inferred Attractiveness captures novel and dynamic aspects of sexual selection and reconciles inconsistencies between mate choice theory and observed behavior.
- Resource type:
- Article
- Affiliation Label Tesim:
- Department of Biology
- DOI:
- https://doi.org/10.17615/b624-3x14
- Edition:
- Publisher
- Identifier:
- https://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.3002269
- ISSN:
- 1544-9173
- Journal Issue:
- 10
- Journal Title:
- PLoS Biology
- Journal Volume:
- 21
- Keyword:
- Female, human, brain, Phenotype, sexual behavior, phenotype, reproduction, Mating Preference, Animal, sexual selection, Sexual Selection, Animals, mate choice, female, article, Sexual Behavior, Animal, adult, animal, male, Humans, Reproduction, and Male
- Language Label:
- English
- License Label:
- Attribution 4.0 International
- ORCID:
- Other Affiliation:
- , Texas A&M University, University of Cincinnati, and Florida State University
- Person:
- Servedio M.R., Fitzpatrick C.L., Hobson E.A., and DuVal E.H.
- Publisher:
- Public Library of Science
- Source:
- bb349c8c-1c69-4e3d-9575-98d693b6a7ee
9. Effects of digital chatbot on gender attitudes and exposure to intimate partner violence among young women in South Africa
- Title Tesim:
- Effects of digital chatbot on gender attitudes and exposure to intimate partner violence among young women in South Africa
- Creator:
- Tietz, Neville, Crawford, Kaitlyn, De Filippo, Alexandra, Vermeulen, Benjamin, Whitefield, Alexander, Hatcher, Abigail M., Bellatin, Paloma, Nkopane, Puseletso, Grant, Eli, and Devereux, Camilla
- Date of publication:
- 2023
- Abstract Tesim:
- Background South Africa has among the highest rates of intimate partner violence (IPV) globally, with young women at heightened risk due to inequitable gender roles, limited relationship skills, and inadequate social support. Despite an urgent need for violence prevention in low- and middle-income settings, most efficacious approaches are time-intensive and costly to deliver. Digital, interactive chatbots may help young women navigate safer relationships and develop healthier gender beliefs and skills Methods Young women (18–24 years old) across South Africa were recruited via Facebook for participation in an individually randomised controlled trial (n = 19,643) during the period of June 2021-September 2021. Users were randomly allocated, using a pipeline algorithm, to one of four trial arms: Pure Control (PC) had no user engagement outside of study measures; Attention Treatment (T0) provided didactic information about sexual health through a text-based chatbot; Gamified Treatment (T1) was a behaviourally-informed gamified text-based chatbot; Narrative Treatment (T2) was a behaviourally-informed drama delivered through pre-recorded voice notes. All chatbots were delivered in WhatsApp, through which users were invited to complete brief “quizzes” comprising adapted versions of validated scales. Primary outcomes were short-form adaptations of scales for gender attitudes (Gender Relations Scale) and past-month IPV (WHO Multi-country Study Instrument). Secondary outcomes were identification of unhealthy relationship behaviours (Intimate Partner Violence Attitudes Scale) and brief screener for depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire). A direct chat link to a trained counsellor was a safety measure (accessed by 4.5% of the sample). We estimated treatment effects using ordinary least squares and heteroskedasticity robust standard errors Findings The trial retained 11,630 (59.2%) to the primary endpoint of gender attitudes. Compared to control, all treatments led to moderate and significant changes in attitudes towards greater gender equity (Cohen’s D = 0.10, 0.29, 0.20 for T0, T1, and T2, respectively). The gamified chatbot (T1) had modest but significant effects on IPV: 56% of young women reported past-month IPV, compared to 62% among those without treatment (marginal effects = -0.07, 95%CI = -0.09to-0.05). The narrative treatment (T2) had no effect on IPV exposure. T1 increased identification of unhealthy relationship behaviours at a moderate and significant level (Cohen’s D = 0.25). Neither T1 nor T2 had a measurable effect on depressive symptoms as measured by the brief screener. Interpretation: A behaviourally-informed, gamified chatbot increased gender equitable attitudes and was protective for IPV exposure among young women in South Africa. These effects, while modest in magnitude, could represent a meaningful impact given potential to scale the low-cost intervention.
- Resource type:
- Article
- Affiliation Label Tesim:
- Department of Health Behavior
- DOI:
- https://doi.org/10.17615/xcyb-wv35
- Edition:
- Publisher
- Identifier:
- https://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pdig.0000358
- ISSN:
- 2767-3170
- Journal Issue:
- 10
- Journal Title:
- PLOS Digital Health
- Journal Volume:
- 2
- Keyword:
- Depression, Facebook, Behavior, Psychological attitudes, Interpersonal relationships, Intimate partner violence, Behavioral and social aspects of health, and Mental health and psychiatry
- Language Label:
- English
- License Label:
- Attribution 4.0 International
- ORCID:
- Other Affiliation:
- Praekelt.org, Behavioral Insights Team, Behavioural Insights Team, and
- Page Start:
- e0000358
- Person:
- Tietz, Neville, Crawford, Kaitlyn, De Filippo, Alexandra, Vermeulen, Benjamin, Whitefield, Alexander, Hatcher, Abigail M., Bellatin, Paloma, Nkopane, Puseletso, Grant, Eli, and Devereux, Camilla
- Publisher:
- Public Library of Science
- Source:
- 2a6b90f2-526a-4484-9c53-8309203919be
10. Development of a research mentorship guide and consensus statement for low- and middle-income countries: Results of a modified Delphi process
- Title Tesim:
- Development of a research mentorship guide and consensus statement for low- and middle-income countries: Results of a modified Delphi process
- Creator:
- Fongwen, Noah, Abdissa, Alemseged, Steiner, Annabel, Kpokiri, Eneyi E., Tucker, Joseph D., Kaba, Mirgissa, and Kennedy, Fiona
- Date of publication:
- 2023
- Abstract Tesim:
- Background Institutional research mentorship is a form of mentorship whereby institutions foster mentor-mentee relationships. Research mentorship improves research effectiveness and supports relationships. However, resources are needed in order to institutionalize research mentorship tailored to low- and middle- income countries (LMICs). The aim of this study was to develop a consensus document on institutionalizing research mentorship through a modified Delphi process as part of the practical guide development process. Methods This study used a two-round modified Delphi process, which is an iterative, structured approach of consensus decision making. Each participant was asked about a series of items related to research mentorship using Likert scale questions. Agreement for each item was pre-defined as ≥80% of participants rating the item as “agree” or “strongly agree.” The items that reached agreement, were then discussed during round two at an in-person conference in Ethiopia. A separate group of individuals only participated virtually. For the final consensus survey, response rates and commenting rates (participants who wrote two or more comments) were compared among conference and non-conference participants. Results The Delphi process led to the inception of three main themes in terms of developing research mentorship: leveraging existing resources, measuring and evaluating institutional mentorship, and encouraging a research mentorship life cycle. During the virtual first round, 59% (36/61) participants who were emailed completed the survey. In the second round, conference participants had a response rate of 79% (11/14) compared to non-conference participants with a response rate of 45% (21/47). Conference participants had a 100% (11/11) commenting rate whereas non-conference participants had a 38% (8/21) commenting rate. This study achieved consensus in both survey rounds for all 35 items on the consensus document. Conclusions The data suggest that an in-person conference may increase participant engagement. The consensus developed through a modified Delphi method directly informed a practical guide on institutionalizing research mentorship in LMICs.
- Resource type:
- Article
- Affiliation Label Tesim:
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases
- DOI:
- https://doi.org/10.17615/caab-pv47
- Edition:
- Publisher
- Identifier:
- https://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0291816
- ISSN:
- 1932-6203
- Journal Issue:
- 10
- Journal Title:
- PLOS ONE
- Journal Volume:
- 18
- Keyword:
- Science policy, Measurement, Careers in research, Survey research, Questionnaires, Surveys, Low and middle income countries, and Life cycles
- Language Label:
- English
- License Label:
- CC0 1.0 Universal
- ORCID:
- Other Affiliation:
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Armauer Hansen Research Institute, , and Addis Ababa University
- Page Start:
- e0291816
- Person:
- Fongwen, Noah, Abdissa, Alemseged, Steiner, Annabel, Kpokiri, Eneyi E., Tucker, Joseph D., Kaba, Mirgissa, and Kennedy, Fiona
- Publisher:
- Public Library of Science
- Rights Statement Label:
- In Copyright
- Source:
- 9d41eb3c-8f3c-4f2d-98db-85fc9bce3d7d
Collection Details
- Total items
-
1963
- Size
-
unknown
- Date created
-
February 2, 2022