Technological advancements and ease of Internet accessibility have made using Internet-based audiovisual software a viable option for researchers conducting focus groups. Online platforms overcome any geographical limitations placed on sampling by the location of potential participants and so enhance opportunities for real-time discussions and data collection in groups that otherwise might not be feasible. Although researchers have been adopting Internet-based options for some time, empirical evaluations and published examples of focus groups conducted using audiovisual technology are sparse. It therefore cannot yet be established whether conducting focus groups in this way can truly mirror face-to-face discussions in achieving the authentic interaction to generate data. We use our experiences to add to the developing body of literature by analyzing our critical reflections on how procedural aspects had the potential to influence the data we collected using audiovisual technology to conduct synchronous focus groups. As part of a mixed methods study, we chose to conduct focus groups in this way to access geographically dispersed populations and to enhance sample variation. We conducted eight online focus groups using audiovisual technology with both academic researchers and health-care practitioners across the four regions of the United Kingdom. A reflexive journal was completed throughout the planning, conduct and analysis of the focus groups. Content analysis of journal entries was carried out to identify procedural factors that had the potential to affect the data collected during this study. Five themes were identified ( Stability of group numbers, Technology, Environment, Evaluation, and Recruitment), incorporating several categories of issues for consideration. Combined with the reflections of the researcher and published experiences of others, suggested actions to minimize any potential impacts of issues which could affect interactions are presented to assist others who are contemplating this method of data collection.

Testicular cancer incidence rates are increasing worldwide making it the most common malignancy in males aged 15 to 45 years. Without a known way to prevent the disease health professionals must promote awareness and early detection. A literature review identified a scarcity of information regarding awareness and knowledge of, and attitudes toward, testicular cancer and testicular self-examination among men in Northern Ireland. This study aimed to establish baseline data for Northern Ireland using a convenience sample of 150 men, aged 18 to 45 years. The sample was recruited from across the country and so represents a range of education and area deprivation levels. An online survey was used to collect data. Results showed that while 39% of respondents correctly identified the age group at highest risk for testicular cancer, only 17% of respondents had ever heard of a testicular self-examination. Analysis revealed knowledge, awareness, and attitudes differed by age groups and area deprivation quintiles. It is recommended that health promoters in Northern Ireland and elsewhere use these findings to tailor health promotion initiatives to engage men and raise testicular cancer and self-examination awareness.

Dolk, H. (2015). Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressant use in first trimester pregnancy and risk of specific congenital anomalies: a European register-based study. European Journal of Epidemiology, 30(11), 1187-1198. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10654-015-0065-y General rights Copyright for the publications made accessible via the Queen's University Belfast Research Portal is retained by the author(s) and / or other copyright owners and it is a condition of accessing these publications that users recognise and abide by the legal requirements associated with these rights.

No abstract

Objective To determine the prevalence of urinary inconto 12.3% (85) of the total study population. Age (x2= 20.34; P<0.001) and parity (Mann-Whitney U-test, tinence in a Northern Ireland community drawn from four neighbouring geographical areas and to assess P< 0.001) were associated with urinary incontinence, with a higher proportion of women aged 45-54 years factors predisposing to the development of urinary incontinence.having urinary incontinence. The menopause and postnatal pelvic floor exercises were not associated Subjects and methods A three-page self-administered postal questionnaire was sent to 1050 women (age with urinary incontinence. distribution, geographical representation and social class, derived from the Townsend Index of material deprivation, based on ward area [6]. The respondents and those not 47370.5; P<0.001). The prevalence of urinary incontinence increased with successive pregnancies up to three responding were also compared.To ensure confidentiality, subjects were identified ( Results(235) of the 588 parous women. There was no statistically significant diCerence in urinary incontinence The pilot response rate was 48% (24/50); two questionnaires were returned marked 'wrong address'. No changes between parous women who had performed postnatal pelvic floor exercises and those who did not, at 64.3% to the questionnaire were necessary as all were completed well. The overall response rate after the pilot study and (151) Discussion who had urinary incontinence; this equates to 12.3% (85, 95% CI 9.9-14.9) of the women in the survey.Urinary incontinence occurred once monthly or less in 34% of respondents, at least twice monthly in 23% and Most women were parous (85.3%, 588); nulliparous women had significantly lower levels of urinary incontiwas suBciently severe to require sanitary protection in 22% of these women. Overall, this equates to a 12% nence than parous women (Mann-Whitney U-test U= Burgio and Engel [7] also reported that women were twice as likely to seek help when populations; these are considerably lower than the prevalence rate found in the present study.incontinence was severe. Despite this, almost 60% of those requiring sanitary protection did not consult their Controversy exists as to the relative importance of successive pregnancies. Whilst neurophysiological evidoctors. The most common reason given for this deficiency was that the women could 'live with' their dence suggests that damage occurs after the first childbirth [9] others report an increasing prevalence of disability. Surprisingly, embarrassment about their incontinence was not a major factor in their reticence urinary incontinence with increased parity