Rates Of Behavior Research Articles

Role of Self-Monitoring and Social Appearance Anxiety in the Relationship Between Photo Editing and Social Withdrawal

Nowadays, with the widespread use of social media, the use of Photoshop is also increasing. This creates a space for people to present their best selves. Individuals applying too much Photoshop to their photos on social media are seen as an indicator of their desire to be approved by others. People monitor and regulate themselves in line with the social selves they want to show. The purpose of this study is to investigate how self-monitoring and photo editing behaviors reflect people's evaluations of their appearance and how this relationship will be reflected in social withdrawal. The participants of the study consisted of 420 female participants. The hypotheses of the study were tested using the moderated mediation model and the mediation model for indirect effect. According to the results of the study, it was observed that the predicted indirect effect of social appearance anxiety on the relationship between photo editing behavior and social withdrawal did not have a significant effect under the moderating role of self-monitoring (moderated mediation) (b = .02, SE = .01, z = 1.22, p = .222; 95% CI [−.01,.04]). However, in the mediating role of social appearance anxiety, the indirect effect of photo editing behavior on social withdrawal was found to be significant (b =.03, SE = .01, z = 5.11, p < .001; 95% CI [.02,.03]). Therefore, it has been observed that people who resort to high rates of photo editing behavior experience social appearance anxiety and, as a result, exhibit high rates of social withdrawal behavior. Considering that negative body image causes negative health-related consequences, the study is expected to contribute to the consequences of excessive Photoshop use. Considering the prevalence of social media today, we expect the results of the study to provide new information to understand the effects of social media.

A Family Genetic Study of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder in Youth

Objective: To use a family genetic study to evaluate familial risk of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and common comorbid illnesses in first-degree relatives of pediatric-onset probands with primary OCD. Method: One hundred and thirty youth with OCD and their 133 siblings and 241 parents and 49 pediatric controls were directly evaluated along multiple domains including psychopathology using structured diagnostic interviews and clinical corroboration. Results: Rates of anxiety, mood, disruptive behavior, and tic disorders were markedly elevated in the probands while rates in siblings were elevated at rates between the probands and controls. Twenty six percent of first-degree relatives had clinical OCD, 9% had chronic tics or Tourette’s disorder, and 21% met criteria for ADHD. Conclusion: Rates of familial transmission of OCD and common comorbid illnesses were significantly higher in our pediatric-onset probands than rates reported in the literature in relatives of those with adult-onset OCD.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Health Behaviours of Pregnant Women in Poland: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Health behaviours of pregnant women should promote an optimal course of pregnancy and maternal health. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on pregnant women's health behaviours (proper eating habits with a particular focus on the type of food consumed; preventive behaviours in terms of compliance with health recommendations and obtaining information on health and disease; healthy practices-daily habits in terms of sleep, rest and physical activity; as well as positive mental attitudes-avoiding strong emotions, stress, and depressing situations, determined by the frequency of each behaviour reported by the respondents). The study included women at different stages of pregnancy and women who were pregnant during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 355 women participated in the study. The study used a proprietary questionnaire and the Health Behaviour Inventory (HBI). The overall health behaviour score during the pandemic was higher (85.87) than the pre-pandemic score (82.16). There was a statistically significant difference between the total pre-pandemic and during-pandemic HBI scores. Additionally, there was an increase in the total score in each of the health behaviour domains during the pandemic period compared to the pre-pandemic results. During the COVID-19 pandemic, pregnant women presented a statistically significantly higher rate of health behaviours, as measured with the HBI, indicating that respondents were more likely to engage in health-promoting behaviours. The study has shown a positive change in pregnant women's eating habits, which can potentially affect the health of the population in the future.

The ability to inhibit impulses is related to social behavior in long-tailed macaques.

Performance in cognitive tasks has been linked to differences in species' social organization, yet to understand its function its relationship to within-species variation in behavior should also be explored. One important cognitive capacity, the ability to inhibit impulses, is typically better in egalitarian than despotic primate species and in primate species with strong fission-fusion dynamics. A different line of research indicates that a high ability to inhibit impulses is related to less aggressive behavior and more socio-positive behavior. However, within species the relationship between performance on cognitive inhibition tasks and variation in social behavior remains to be explored. Here we investigate how performance in a typical inhibition task in cognitive research is related to aggressive and socio-positive behavior in despotic long-tailed macaques. Twenty individuals living in two naturalistic mixed-sex groups were tested with the Plexiglass Hole Task. Aggressive behavior and three types of socio-positive behavior (neutral/friendly approaches, socio-positive signaling, and grooming others) among group members were measured. Individuals differed in their ability to inhibit impulses. Individuals that were not good at inhibiting impulses showed higher rates of aggressive behavior, but also more socio-positive signals, whereas inhibition was not related to neutral/friendly approaches and grooming. These results confirm the positive link between impulsiveness and aggression. In addition, the results indicate that some social-positive behavior may be enhanced when inhibition is limited. In this species, benefits potentially derived from aggression and socio-positive signals match a low ability to inhibit impulses, suggesting that a low ability to inhibit impulses may actually be advantageous. To understand differences between species in cognitive skills, understanding the benefits of variation in a cognitive capacity within a species is crucial.

GREATER ADHERENCE TO DAILY HEALTH BEHAVIORS RELATE TO BETTER COGNITIVE FUNCTION

Abstract Healthy life habits cannot be formed overnight; therefore, adherence to optimal sleep, physical activity, and healthy eating behaviors is vital. This paper examined the relationship between the adherence rate of the three key health behaviors (i.e., sleep, physical activity, and healthy diet) and cognitive function in adulthood. Data were retrieved from Midlife in the United States third wave (MIDUS 3) Project 2, National Study of Daily Experiences (n=1,061). For eight consecutive days, participants reported nightly sleep duration, daily amount of physical activity, and daily consumption of fast food. Adherence rates of health behaviors were calculated by the sum of having optimal sleep (6 < sleep hours ≤ 9), any intensity of physical activity (60 min.≤), and not eating fast food (yes/no) across the study period. Participants also completed a Brief Test of Adult Cognition by Telephone (BTACT). A series of general linear models examined the associations of the three adherence variables with the overall BTACT cognition score adjusting for sociodemographic and health covariates. Greater adherence rates of optimal sleep (𝛽=0.02; SE=0.01; p=0.01), physical activity (𝛽=0.03; SE=0.01; p<0.01 ), and not eating fast food (𝛽=0.02; SE=0.01; p=0.02) were each and associated with higher BTACT score. Among the three adherence variables, adherence to physical activity was the most important for cognition independent of other health behaviors. Consistent associations were found for executive function, but not episodic memory. These findings suggest that adults with greater adherence to a healthy lifestyle have better cognitive function, and consistency of healthy behaviors is vital for cognitive health.

A LIFE COURSE APPROACH TO IDENTIFYING EVICTION LAWS AFFECTING OLDER ADULTS AND HISTORICALLY MARGINALIZED GROUPS

Abstract Alongside population aging, more older adults are becoming at risk of homelessness. Eviction—a type of housing instability in which a landlord initiates legal forced expulsion from a rental property—is one of the main drivers of homelessness. Evictions and homelessness disproportionately affect older adults, individuals of color, women, sexual and gender minority populations, veterans, and those with disabilities. Evictions can have devastating short- and long-term effects on tenants, and these negative consequences may be especially pronounced for individuals with multiple minoritized identities such as older LGBTQ+ adults. Older LGBTQ+ individuals face higher baseline rates of poor mental health, smoking, and health risk behaviors. In this study, key informant interviews (N=5) were utilized to identify state eviction and landlord-tenant laws that disproportionately affect older adults and other historically marginalized groups. Using a life course approach to understanding health disparities as they accumulate across the lifespan, data from LawAtlas—an online database allowing the examination of specific laws across the US—was cross-referenced with data from key informants to identify the following laws which may disproportionately affect older adults and other historically marginalized populations: nuisance property ordinances, source of income discrimination, state fair housing protections, and minimum notice-to-vacate laws. This presentation will describe how intentionally or unintentionally, these laws disproportionately affect older adults and other historically marginalized populations and may lead to negative eviction outcomes, homelessness, and poor physical and mental health. Identifying how such discriminatory laws can contribute to health disparities across the lifespan is necessary to achieve health equity.

Effects of basalt fiber reinforced polymer minibars on the flexural behavior of pre-cracked UHPC after chloride induced corrosion

Ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) exhibits high shrinkage, which results in a severe risk of cracking in practice, leading to the risk of long-term mechanical performance degradation caused by steel fiber corrosion in harsh environment. This study aims to use basalt fiber reinforced polymer (BFRP) minibars to improve the long-term flexural behavior of UHPC. UHPC reinforced with 3 % BFRP minibars and 3 % steel fibers were pretreated for initial crack and cured in chloride solution for various dry-wet cycles, respectively. The long-term tensile behavior of BFRP minibar and steel fiber, and long-term flexural behavior of UHPC with BFRP minibars and steel fibers were systematically tested and evaluated before and after corrosion, respectively. According to the test results, compared to steel fiber, BFRP minibar showed a much better chloride resistance, leading to a great improvement in long-term flexural behavior of UHPC after chloride induced corrosion. When the initial crack width was less than 0.1 mm, two kinds of UHPC showed the ideal residual flexural behavior rate after a 150-cycle corrosion, which exceeded 95 %, owing to the self-healing of initial crack caused by the further hydration of unreacted binders in UHPC matrix. When the initial crack width was near 0.2 mm and 0.3 mm, after a 150-cycle corrosion, the flexural strength of UHPC with BFRP minibars was decreased by 10.94 % and 12.99 %, the decrease rate was 59.72 % and 52.24 % lower than UHPC with steel fibers in same environment, respectively. The similar changes in toughness and stiffness were found too. It indicated that using BFRP minibars to reinforce UHPC effectively alleviated the risk of decrease in mechanical properties of pre-cracked UHPC caused by steel fiber corrosion under harsh environment.

Suicidal thoughts and behaviors among gender and sexual minorities: Adults ages 25-44 show highest rates of past month suicidal thoughts.

Sexual and gender minority (SGM) people are at increased risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors relative to their cisgender heterosexual peers. However, most research in this area has focused on youth, limiting our understanding of suicide risk among SGM adults. To address this gap in the literature, the present study examined suicidal thoughts and behaviors among SGM adults across different age groups using a sample of 10,620 US adults. Consistent with the literature on youth, SGM adults showed higher rates of suicidal thoughts and behaviors than cisgender heterosexual adults. When examining prevalence rates across various age groups, young adults (18-25) showed greater suicidal thoughts and behaviors relative to adults ages 45+. However, adults ages 25-44 actually showed the highest rate of past month suicidal thoughts compared to adults ages 18-25. These findings suggest that suicide risk for SGM extends beyond youth and highlights the need for more research on middle-age SGM adults. Additional resources for SGM adults that are not only tailored toward youth and young adults are warranted.

What differentiates e-bike riders from conventional cyclists in Denmark? A user-based study

Among the many technology-related advances in two-wheeled mobility, the growing share of e-bikes stands out. Indeed, despite their increased cost and user-related constraints, e-bikes have gained ground in European cities over the last two decades. However, not much is known about the psychosocial and behavioural characteristics of e-bike users compared with conventional bike (c-bike) users. AimsTherefore, the aims of this study were: first, to explore differences between e-bike and c-bike users regarding individual features, cycling habits, and riding behaviour; and second, to identify individual characteristics, cycling habits, and behaviours predicting using an e-bike as the main cycling mode. MethodsThe study used data from 557 Danish cyclists aged over 18, proportionally distributed according to population data (13% e-bike and 87% c-bike users). The cyclists responded to an electronic survey on cycling affairs, addressing trip patterns, risk perception, cycling anger, distractions, and riding behaviours. ResultsOverall, no differences were found regarding personality, distractions, riding errors, or cycling anger. However, e-bike users self-reported significantly lower rates of traffic violations and higher rates of positive behaviours, traffic rule knowledge and road risk perception. Furthermore, structural (SEM) analyses suggest that e-bike riding can be predicted through demographic factors, psychosocial characteristics, and cycling behaviours. ConclusionThe results of this research provide insights into the characteristics and behaviours of e-bike and c-bike users in Denmark, indicating key differences between the two groups in relation to their demographic backgrounds and cycling habits. This underscores the importance of considering demographics, cycling habits, and psychosocial factors when studying and promoting the use of e-bikes.

Knowledge, attitudes and practices towards epilepsy in morocco: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundThis study aims to assess knowledge, practices and attitudes of the general Moroccan population towards epilepsy and to highlight predictive factors. MethodA cross-sectional study was conducted in the Casablanca-Settat Moroccan region. A questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic data and item answers from 400 people with epilepsy (PWE) and without epilepsy caregivers on dependent variables: knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards epilepsy. Bivariate and logistic regression analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 21.0. Statistical significance was set when P value < 0.05. ResultsThe rates of poor knowledge, practices, and attitudes toward epilepsy were 11.5 %, 41 %, and 66.6 %, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, the risk of having poor knowledge about epilepsy was favored by lack of education (ORa = 4.31;CI95%:1.83–10.13;p = 0.001) and the absence of familiarity with epilepsy (ORa = 4.05;CI95%:1.92–8.54;p < 0.001). The risk of preferring allopathic practices to treat epilepsy was associated with lack of education (ORa = 2.21;CI95%:1.01–4.82;p = 0.046), residence in a city outside Casablanca (ORa = 2.33;CI95%:1.06–5.15;p = 0.035), age over 59 years (ORa = 2.50;CI95%:1.26–4.95; p = 0.008), residence in a rural areas (ORa = 4.41;CI95%:2.61–7.47;p < 0.001) and absence of familiarity with epilepsy (ORa = 4.08;CI95%:2.33–7.15;p < 0.001). Predictors of stigma towards epilepsy were female sex (ORa = 3.05;CI95%:2.04–4.56;p < 0.001) and the tendency to abandon anti-seizure medication for allopathic alternatives (ORa = 3.98;CI95%:2.21–7.17;p < 0.001), whereas advanced age was a protective factor (ORa = 0.57;CI95%:0.36–0.89;p = 0.014[39–59 years vs 18–29 years];ORa = 0.44;CI95%:0.23–0.82;p = 0.011[>59 years vs 18–29 years]). ConclusionsThe rate of poor attitudes and treatment-seeking behavior was high. This socio-cultural context certainly impacts the quality of life and care of Moroccan PWE. These results should be considered to raise awareness in the Moroccan population.

Are HIV Prevention Services Reaching all LGBTQ+ Youth? An Intersectional Analysis in a National Sample.

Although research has examined disparities in HIV prevention behaviors, intersectional research is needed to understand who may be underserved. This study examines disparities in consistent condom use, HIV testing, and PrEP awareness and use across assigned sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, and racial/ethnic identity in a large sample of sexually active LGBTQ+ youth (mean age = 16.5) who completed the 2022 LGBTQ National Teen Survey. Four social identities were included as indicators in Chi-Square Automated Interaction Detection models to uncover disparate rates of HIV preventive behaviors. Generally, HIV testing and PrEP services were higher among gay/lesbian and queer youth assigned male, and lower among those assigned female. Certain LGBTQ+ youth may be systematically missed by these services, (e.g., those assigned female; those assigned male who also identify as bisexual, pansexual, asexual, questioning, or straight (and trans/gender diverse)). Providers should strive to serve populations who are not being reached by HIV prevention services.

A descriptive cross-sectional study on eating disorders, suicidal thoughts, and behaviors among adolescents in the Valencian community (Spain). The pivotal role of school nurses

PurposeThe aims of this study were: 1) to describe the rates of risk of having an Eating Disorder (ED) and the rates of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, and 2) to examine the relationship between the risk of having an ED with suicidal thoughts and behaviors in adolescents enrolled in educational centers in the Community of Valencia (Spain). Design and methodsA cross-sectional study was conducted with 718 adolescents between September 2019 and July 2020 in five schools in the Community of Valencia (Spain). ResultsThe adolescents studied, mostly females, are at risk of having an ED (18.6% to 30.8%) and experiencing suicidal thoughts (23% to 30.7%) and behaviors (2.2% to 6.2%). A strong association was found between EDs and suicidal thoughts and behaviors in both sexes. This association was higher in females with positive EAT-26 scores (OR: 2.09; 95% CI: 1.35–3.24) and in males with positive SCOFF scores (OR: 4.66; 95% CI: 2.40–9.02). Suicidal behaviors were positively associated with both EAT-26 (OR: 2.58; 95% CI: 1.17–5.67) and SCOFF (OR: 1.89; 95% CI: 1.21–2.26) scores in females. ConclusionsA considerable number of adolescents, females in particular, are at risk of having an ED and of experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviors, establishing a strong link between EDs and suicidal tendencies. Practical implicationsThe study highlights the importance of establishing national and regional regulations to ensure the availability of school nurses in the Community of Valencia (Spain). Collaboration between school nurses, educators, and policy makers is critical to the early detection of problems and the provision of support to both adolescents and families.

Octopamine is involved in TRP-induced thermopreference responses in American cockroach

Insects’ thermoregulatory processes depend on thermosensation and further processing of thermal information in the nervous system. It is commonly known that thermosensation involves thermoreceptors, including members of the TRP receptor family, but the involvement of neurotransmitters in thermoregulatory pathways remains unstudied. We conducted test to determine whether octopamine, a biogenic amine that acts as a neurotransmitter and neurohormone in insects, is involved in TRP-induced thermoregulatory responses in Periplaneta americana. We used capsaicin, an activator of the heat-sensitive TRP channel, Painless, to induce thermoregulatory response in cockroaches. Then, we evaluated the behavioural (thermal preferences and grooming), physiological (heart rate) and biochemical responses of insects to capsaicin, octopamine and phentolamine – octopaminergic receptor blocker. Capsaicin, similar to octopamine, increased cockroaches’ grooming activity and heart rate. Moreover, octopamine level and protein kinase A (PKA) activity significantly increased after capsaicin treatment. Blocking octopaminergic receptors with phentolamine diminished cockroaches’ response to capsaicin – thermoregulatory behaviour, grooming and heart rate were abolished. The results indicate that octopamine is a neurotransmitter secreted in insects after the activation of heat receptors.

Mutually exclusive feeding yields Holling type III functional response

Abstract Many generalist predators, including fish, insects and mammals, temporarily focus on their search behaviour and can switch between prey species. Flexible and rapid behavioural plasticity enables a predator to forage optimally, as guided by search image formation and prey switching in response to changing prey abundances. More than half a century of studies have used Holling type III functional response to model the impact of this feeding behaviour on population dynamics, yet a mechanistic understanding for the pathway between individual behaviour and feeding rates remains poorly understood. To understand this common feeding behaviour, we developed three mechanistic models using first‐principles to provide direct derivations for the relationship between observed individual behaviour and feeding rates. The derived models yield three novel, generalised functional responses for predators characterised by prey switching and mutually exclusive feeding (i.e. feeding is limited to one prey species at a time). We show how these functional responses act as Holling type III response, and how they can be used to predict predators' diet compositions. Our results demonstrate that several behavioural forms of prey switching, as displayed in a wide range of predator species, consistently produce type III conforming functional responses. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Investigation and analysis on knowledge, attitude and behavior about adult vaccination of the residents in Shandong Province

Objective: To understand the knowledge, attitude and behavior of adult residents on influenza, pneumococcus, human papillomavirus (HPV), herpes zoster (HZ), COVID-19, hepatitis B and rabies vaccination in Shandong Province. Methods: From August to September 2022, a multi-stage stratified random sampling method was used to investigate community-dwelling residents aged 18 years old and above in 12 counties (cities and districts) of Shandong Province. A questionnaire survey was used to collect the basic information of the respondents, such as knowledge, attitude and vaccination behavior of influenza, pneumococcus, HPV, HZ, COVID-19, hepatitis B and rabies vaccine. Analysis of variance was used to compare the differences in the respondents' knowledge and attitude scores of different vaccines. The Chi-square test was conducted to compare the differences in vaccination reasons among different characteristics, and a logistic regression model was used to analyze the influencing factors of vaccination behavior. Results: The median age (Q1, Q3) of the 2 754 respondents was 39 (29, 57) years ranging from 18 to 94 years, with a number of 1 234 (44.81%) males. The average score of the respondents' understanding of various knowledge about adult vaccines was less than 4 points, with the highest score for understanding which diseases can be prevented by adult vaccines. The average score of consent and necessity for adult vaccines to prevent diseases was greater than 3.6 points. In terms of knowledge demand and trust in information channels, there was a high level of trust in the recommendations of vaccination outpatient staff and clinical doctors [with scores of (4.15±0.79) and (4.02±0.80), respectively]. The highest demand for information on vaccination safety knowledge was (4.18±0.84) points. In recent two years, 52.11% of the population had been vaccinated with other vaccines in addition to the COVID-19 vaccine and rabies vaccine, and 45.44% of the population felt it was necessary to be vaccinated through media publicity. Women, age growth, high education level, and high-income level were the promoting factors for adopting vaccination behavior. Conclusion: Adult residents in Shandong Province have a basic understanding and supportive attitude towards vaccination, but the vaccination behavior rate is still relatively low, with significant differences in sex, age, education level, and income level. It is necessary to further increase efforts in the breadth and depth of adult vaccination promotion and education, as well as promotion strategies targeting different populations.

Life is precious: A quasi-experimental study of a community-based program to prevent suicide among Latina adolescents in New York City.

Rising rates of suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs) among U.S. Latina adolescents urgently need attention. Life is Precious (LIP) is a culturally responsive, community-based, afterschool-model program offering wellness-support services to supplement outpatient mental health treatment for Latina adolescents experiencing STB's. This 12-month quasi-experimental pilot study explored LIP's impact on clinical outcomes. Latina adolescents newly enrolled in LIP and receiving outpatient treatment (n = 31) and those newly starting outpatient treatment only (n = 12; Usual Care) were assessed for Suicidal Ideation (Suicidal Ideation Questionnaire; SIQ) and depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-9). We estimated differences in mean scores using longitudinal linear mixed models and adjusted risk ratios (ARRs) of SIQ-25%, SIQ-50%, and PHQ-9-5-point improvements using exact logistic models. The direction of the estimated impact of LIP was positive [differences (95% CIs): -15.5 (-34.16, 3.15) for SIQ; -1.16 (-4.39, 2.07) for PHQ-9], with small-to-moderate nonsignificant effect sizes (0.19-0.34). LIP participants saw two to three times higher prevalence than controls of SIQ-25%, SIQ-50%, and PHQ-9-5-point improvements; ARRs (95% CIs) were 1.91 (0.61, 3.45), 3.04 (0.43, 11.33), and 1.97 (0.44, 5.07), respectively. Suicidal behaviors also decreased in LIP. The effects of LIP were in positive directions across clinical outcomes, warranting further research on its effectiveness in decreasing STBs.

KOMPENSASI, BEBAN KERJA, PENGEMBANGAN KARIER, KEPUASAN KERJA DAN PERILAKU CARING PADA PERAWAT RAWAT INAP RSUD KHIDMAT SEHAT AFIAT KOTA DEPOK TAHUN 2023

The high rate of uncaring behavior in providing nursing care to patients, to overcome this problem requires improvements in compensation, career development workload and nurse job satisfaction so that caring behavior can be realized. Quantitative method, cross sectional using smartPLS with a population of 90 nurses. The research results show that compensation has a positive effect on job satisfaction, with a t value of 1.990 which is significant at α=5%. Compensation has a positive effect on caring behavior, with a t value of 2.079 and significant at α=5%. Workload has a negative effect on career development, with tcount value is 5.980 and is significant at α=5%, Workload has a negative effect on job satisfaction, with a tcount value of 7.279 and is significant at α=5%, Workload has a negative effect on caring behavior with a tcount value of 1.990 and significant at α= 5%, Career development has a positive effect on job satisfaction, with a t-value of 1.990 and is significant at α=5%, Career development has a positive effect on caring behavior, with a t-count of 3.608 and significant at α=5%, Job satisfaction has a positive effect on caring behavior, with a t value of 2.079 and significant at α=5%, of the four variables studied, the variable that most dominantly influences the caring behavior of inpatient nurses at Khidmat Sehat Afiat Hospital, Depok City is the workload variable with a direct value of 27%. The conclusion of this research is to provide reinforcement so that the workload of nurses is proportionately adjusted to competency so that nurses' caring behavior can increase

Social Norms in Cervical Cancer Screening.

Cancer screening aims to check the body for cancer before symptoms develop. Social norms theory suggests people falsely perceive the attitudes and/or behaviours of similar others to be different from their own and correcting these perceptions can lead to behaviour change. Across two studies, we tested if women underestimate peer levels of cervical screening behaviour and whether a social norms manipulation increases intention to attend cervical cancer screening. In study 1, participants completed a survey on cervical cancer screening norms. In study 2, participants were randomised to receive no norm information, norm information, or norm information plus statement on value of norms in decision making. In study 1, participant estimates of peer level of cervical screening behaviour were significantly lower than nationally reported levels. In study 2, a social norm plus value statement intervention led to stronger intentions to attend screening. This effect was consistent across demographic factors and screening status. Participants significantly underestimate rates of cervical screening behaviour in their peers. A brief, online social norms plus values manipulation increased intentions to attend cervical cancer screening across all groups.

Feeding Premasticated Food to Breastfeeding and Weaned Infants among Sudanese Women, Khartoum North

Premasticated of solid food, when an individual partially breaks down food by chewing and feeding it to another person, usually children, from mouth to mouth, using the hand or by other tools e.g. spoon is common various societies in the world. We also did not know whether Sudanese women practice the premasticated feeding. So, we conducted this study to assess breastfeeding, complementary feeding behavior, presence or absence and rates of premasticated food transfer and infant age, and assessed the food species and part used. The study was conducted in Khartoum North locality, Khartoum State, Sudan. We used descriptive cross-sectional design to complete the study. The study targeted nursing mother with a child less than 24 months of age. The sample size was calculated to be 800. Two thirds of surveyed nursing mothers have had heard of premastication of food. Most heard of it from older generations. Yet, 94 (11.9%) premasticated food for the current young children. They claimed that they start premastication of food after the sixth month of the infant age, and stop the practice before the 24th month. Although many scientists around the world have recognized the possibility of transmitting infection by premasticated food from the mother to the infant, the practice is not without significant benefits. Some authors believe that premastication of food by senior person and deliver it to the infant can help stimulating the immune system in infants. The study was reviewed and approved by the Research Ethics Committee at Alzaiem Alazhari University. Written informed consent was obtained from each individual participant.

Elevated lead (Pb) in urban European starling (Sturnus vulgaris) feathers is not correlated to physiology or behavior

Urbanization is rapidly changing the environment and creating new challenges in the lives of animals across the globe. Anthropogenic contaminants—like heavy metals—can persist within the environment for prolonged periods of time and present a widespread problem for those living near contaminated areas. Lead (Pb) was a commonly used heavy metal that continues to threaten the health of all organisms despite being phased out, especially in urban areas where historical use was more common. In this study, a common urban-adapter, the European starling (Sturnus vulgaris), was trapped to explore whether feather Pb burden is greater in birds from urban habitats than rural habitats, as well as whether Pb burdens were correlated with behavior, physiology, and feather development. Across four sites (two rural and two urban), soil Pb concentrations were measured and 197 free-living starlings were captured to measure feather Pb concentrations. Using linear mixed models, this study found that urban starling nestlings had elevated feather Pb burdens compared to rural nestlings. In contrast, there was no correlation between Pb and urbanization in adult birds whose exposure to Pb may reflect a larger spatial range compared to nestlings. For both nestlings and adults, feather Pb was uncorrelated to corticosterone, testosterone, aggressive behavior, or feather growth rates. These findings suggest that starlings may be a useful biomonitoring tool to detect Pb in the local environment, however, the age and spatial range of birds is a critical consideration in applying this tool. Further work is needed to understand the intricate relationship between heavy metals, behavior, morphological development, and physiology in free-living organisms.