Adult Behavior Research Articles

Awareness, Attitudes, and Behaviors of Adults About Vaccination in the North Cyprus

Awareness, Attitudes, and Behaviors of Adults About Vaccination in the North Cyprus

Psychopathological Aspects of Parasuicidal Behavior in Adolescents and Young Adults

Objective. The aim of this study was to determine the psychopathological symptoms associated with self-harming behavior in order to develop preventive measures.Materials and Methods. We included individuals aged 18 to 35. The main group consisted of individuals with a history of self-harming behavior, while the control group included individuals without any history of self-harming behavior. All participants completed a structured interview and the following questionnaires: SCL-90-R, the questionnaire of propensity to deviant behavior, and the «Coping Behavior Methods» questionnaire. We assessed the severity of psychopathological symptoms, motivation, and other characteristics of self-harming behavior.Results. A total of 77 participants were included, divided into the main (n=39) and control (n=38) groups. Correlations were identified between the main characteristics of self-harming behavior. According to the SCL-90-R questionnaire, individuals with a history of self-harming behavior had higher scores in somatization, obsessions, sensitivity, depression, anxiety, hostility, phobic anxiety, paranoia, and psychoticism (p<0.01). The «avoidance» coping strategy was more prevalent in the main group (p<0.05). According to the questionnaire of propensity to deviant behavior, individuals in the main group had higher scores in overcoming rules, aggression and violence, volitional control, and addictive, self-destructive, and delinquent behavior (p<0.05). There were correlations between the regularity of self-harming behavior and the use of multiple types of self-harming behavior (r=0.497; p<0.01), pursuit of internal goals (r=0.333; p<0.05), occurrence of positive emotions after self-harm (r=0.352; p<0.05), increasing desire to stop this behavior (r=0.359; p<0.05), and difficulty achieving remission (r= –0.553; p<0.01). Experiencing negative emotions after an act of self-harm was negatively associated with the use of multiple types of self-harming behavior (r= –0.412; p<0.01) and addictive behavior (r= –0.408; p<0.05).Conclusion. Adolescents and young adults with a history of self-harming behavior differ significantly from their peers in the presence of concomitant psychopathological symptoms. The regularity of self-harming behavior is associated with the use of multiple types of self-harming behavior and difficulty achieving remission. Our findings have clinical significance and may be incorporated into the development of preventive measures.

An Analysis of How Smart Home Product Attributes Influence Older Adults' Avoidance Psychology: The Sequential Mediation Role of Product Identity and Trust.

As an effective method of improving the quality of life of older adults, smart home products have seen significant development and increased popularity in recent years. However, studies on the anti-consumption behaviors of older adults regarding these products remain relatively limited. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the avoidance behavior of older adults toward smart home products by investigating product attributes. The study proposes a theoretical model, "product attributes-product Identity-trust-avoidance behavior", to explore the underlying mechanisms of avoidance behavior from both the psychological and the behavioral perspectives. Based on data from 506 valid questionnaires, the findings reveal that product attributes, product identity, and trust can significantly and negatively impact the avoidance behavior toward smart home products. In addition, product identity and trust play significant mediating and serial mediating roles between product attributes and smart home product avoidance behaviors. These findings provide valuable insights for smart home product manufacturers seeking to understand the avoidance behavior of older adults concerning their products. They also offer valuable guidance on design concepts, marketing strategies, and market formulation, providing new theoretical and practical recommendations for expanding the smart home market for older adults.

Nineteenth-century narratives of addiction: Relational harm and the child as witness

Through close reading of medical and cultural texts, this article demonstrates how the narrativisation of relational harm underpinned the emerging categorisation of ‘addiction’ in the 19th century: excessive consumption was conceived through its detrimental impact upon others, and more specifically, upon the family. The problem was portrayed as physiological, psychological, and social: ‘addiction’ could not be located securely within a single individual, nor was it conceived simply as a social vice. While other societal themes emerge in the medical writing of the period, such as the relationship between drinking and criminality, and the visibility of drinking in the working-classes, these are not presented as proto-diagnostic criteria in the same way as relational harm. In theorising addiction, medicine relied upon rhetorical devices and narrative modes, and authors and artists took an active role in defining the terms of the debate around drinking, drug use, and gambling. Charles Dickens and George Cruikshank represent childhood through the adult's compulsive behaviour, which the child witnesses, while the adult's behaviour itself is conceived as harm directed towards child. The article demonstrates how 21st-century attitudes, particularly located in the fields of psychiatric diagnosis and child protection social work, echo debates established by 19th-century narratives, arguing that that the disease model of addiction was closely associated with the medico-legal production of childhood. Nineteenth-century narratives of addiction therefore anticipate late 20th- and 21st-century attitudes regarding the impact of parental substance use upon children.

Nudge theories and strategies influencing adult health behaviors and outcomes in COPD management: a systematic review.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic respiratory disease with high prevalence and mortality, and self-management is a key component for better outcomes of COPD. Recently, nudging has shown promising potential in COPD management. In the present study, we conducted a systematic review to collate the list of nudges and identified the variables that influence nudging. We undertook a systematic review. We employed database searches and snowballing. Data from selected studies were extracted. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organization of Care risk of bias tool. The study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42023427051. We retrieved 4,022 studies from database searches and 38 studies were included. By snowballing, 5 additional studies were obtained. Nudges were classified into four types: social influence, gamification, reminder, and feedback. Medication adherence, inhalation technique, physical activity, smoking cessation, vaccination administration, exercise capacity, self-efficacy, pulmonary function, clinical symptoms, and quality of life were analyzed as targeted health behaviors and outcomes. We found medication adherence was significantly improved by reminders via mobile applications or text materials, as well as feedback based on devices. Additionally, reminders through text materials greatly enhance inhalation techniques and vaccination in patients. This review demonstrates nudging can improve the health behaviors of patients with COPD and shows great potential for certain outcomes, particularly medication adherence, inhalation techniques, and vaccination. Additionally, the delivery modes, the patient characteristics, and the durations and seasons of interventions may influence the successful nudge-based intervention. This review has been registered in the international Prospective Registry of Systematic Evaluation (PROSPERO) database (identifier number CRD42023427051).

Factors influencing proactive health behaviors in pre-frailty older adults: A qualitative study based on theory of planned behavior

Aimsto explore factors that can influence proactive health behaviors in pre-frailty older adults. Designthis is a qualitative content analysis study. Methodsdata collected through interviews with 20 pre-frailty older adults in a geriatric unit at a general hospital in Guangzhou, China. We used deductive content analysis to categorize codes and calculate their frequency based on the theory of planned behavior. Inductive content analysis was used to analyze data that could not be analyzed according to the theory of planned behavior. Resultsthe data were analyzed and grouped into categories by beliefs similarity, counted from the frequencies. The factors of 6 behavioral beliefs, 6 normative beliefs, and 14 control beliefs were issued. Six themes emerged, including positive attitudes toward proactive health behaviors outcomes, lack of proactive health awareness the negative influence of children on proactive health behaviors, lack of knowledge of proactive health behaviors, spouses play an important role in proactive health behaviors, low resistance to unhealthy behavior. Conclusionthis research will support to the construction of a psychometric scale to measure the intentions of proactive health behaviors in pre-frailty older adults. These influencing factors will also help us to develop measures to improve the ability of pre-frailty older adults to be proactive health in the future. Impactthis research validates and extends the theory of planned behavior. The findings of factors influencing proactive health behaviors help us to develop strategies to enhance proactive health in pre-frailty older adults in the future. These findings also provide content for the construction of the psychometrics of proactive health intentions scales. Reporting Methodthis study follows the COREQ reporting norms.

Unravelling Suicide and Related Behaviours in Indigenous Youth and Young Adults in the Canadian Context.

Suicide, rooted in antiquity, is now identified as a global dilemma, particularly impacting Indigenous peoples. The backdrop for this non-systematic focused review is the worldwide challenges faced by vulnerable Indigenous peoples with untenable poverty, degraded life-quality conditions, and suicidality, while the focus, as a specific case, is on the complexity of suicidality in Canadian Indigenous high-risk age groups. The aim here is to present overt and covert intersecting factors underlying suicide in Indigenous youths and young adults in the vast Canadian context. Although living in a privileged geopolitical region, their physically remote and economically compromised communities meshed with a haunting history combined with authorities' ingrained attitudes of exclusion and neglect, spawned meager health and education resources, services, and consequent dire results. The article's guiding theoretical frameworks are Transcultural Psychiatry with its emphasis on context that explains health, illness, and recovery in groups and individuals, and the Interpersonal Psychological Theory of Suicide to identify individuals' suicidality triggers. The article highlights indigenous social determinants of health, identifies elements underlying the tragic suicidality trend in these groups, and addresses literacy and education as poverty driven issues and suicidality-contributing factors promoting attitudes of hopelessness. The discussion includes joint suicide combatting efforts by Indigenous communities and Canadian authorities, these authors' psychosocial-cognitive literacy acquisition plan to address all age-groups simultaneously, and a take-home message introducing employers' desirable worker competencies for effective future employment, thereby uplifting life-quality and prospects to help thwart the spectre of suicide. The Conclusion introduces current trends in suicidality science, confirming the authors' intervention plan is a good fit in the psychosocial intervention trend. Future directions include advice to examine the effectiveness of the plan in the Indigenous context, and tweak it accordingly. For ease of reader comprehension, the article flow is included at the start of the Introduction section.

A Theory-Based Nursing Intervention to Improve Self-Management Behavior and Health Status in Older Adults With Type 2 Diabetes and Frailty.

To evaluate the effectiveness of a nursing intervention based on the integration theory of health behavior change (ITHBC) in older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and frailty. This cluster randomized controlled trial has a two-group pre-/posttest design. The intervention group received a 12-week nursing intervention based on the ITHBC and routine health education, whereas the control group only received routine health education. Self-management, frailty, quality of life, fasting blood glucose, body mass index (BMI), grip strength, and functional mobility were measured. Seventy-one participants (intervention group, n = 35; control group, n = 36) completed the entire study. After the intervention, participants in the intervention group exhibited significant improvements in self-management (all p < 0.001), frailty level (p = 0.006), quality of life (all p < 0.001), and grip strength (p < 0.05), and maintained ideal fasting blood glucose levels (p < 0.05) compared to participants in the control group. However, there were no statistically significant differences in BMI and functional mobility (p > 0.05). The 12-week nursing intervention based on the ITHBC could enhance self-management, reduce frailty, improve quality of life and grip strength, and maintain optimal fasting blood glucose levels in older adults with T2DM. [Research in Gerontological Nursing, 17(6), 293-306.].

Associations and mediating factors between adverse childhood experiences and substance use behaviours in early adulthood: A population-based longitudinal study

BackgroundResearch has demonstrated positive associations between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and substance use behaviours in young adults. However, many of these are based on cross-sectional data. The pathway between ACEs and substance misuse among emerging adults is also not fully understood and few studies have investigated potential mediating factors. MethodsWe analysed data from the Child Cohort of the Growing Up in Ireland study, a nationally representative longitudinal sample of children recruited at 9 years of age (n = 4,729). Logistic regression was used to examine individual and cumulative ACE exposure relationships with substance use at age 20 years. Mediation analyses were used to assess whether parental and peer relationships and school engagement mediate ACE history associations with substance use behaviours. ResultsACE exposure relationships with current cannabis use, other illicit drug use and problematic drug use were observed. In particular, young adults who had experienced 2 ACEs or 3 + ACEs had an approximate two-fold (OR=1.80, 95 % CI: 1.29, 2.51) and approximate three-fold (OR=2.94, 95 % CI: 2.06, 4.19) increased odds of problematic drug use, respectively, when compared to participants who had experienced no ACEs during the study period. Mediation analyses suggested that parent and peer attachment and liking school partially mediate relationships between ACEs and substance use behaviours. ConclusionsChildren who have experienced ACEs are at higher risk of future substance use and problematic drug use. In supporting these children, identified mediators such as interpersonal relationships and school engagement may help guide selection of prevention interventions.

Sex differences in positional behavior of chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) living in the dry and open habitat of Issa Valley, Tanzania.

Many early fossil hominins are associated with savanna-mosaic paleohabitats, and high sexual dimorphism that may reflect differences in positional behavior between sexes. However, reconstructions of hominin behavior and the selective pressures they faced in an open habitat are limited by a lack of studies of extant apes living in contemporary, analogous habitats. Here, we describe adult chimpanzee positional behavior in the savanna-mosaic habitat of the Issa Valley, Tanzania, to test whether Issa chimpanzees show larger sex-differences in positional behavior than their forest-dwelling counterparts. We quantified and compared adult locomotor and postural behavior across sexes (6 females, 7 males) in the riparian forest (closed) and miombo woodland (open) vegetation types at Issa Valley (13,743 focal observations). We then compared our results to published data of chimpanzee communities living in more forested habitats. Issa females and males both spent less time arboreally in open vegetation and showed similar locomotor and postural behavior on the same substrates, notably using a high level of suspensory locomotion when arboreal. Females were, however, more arboreal than males during locomotor behavior, as well as compared with females from other communities. Issa males behaved similarly to males from other communities. Results suggest that open habitats do not elicit less arboreal behaviors in either sex, and may even select for suspensory locomotion to effectively navigate an open canopy. An open habitat may, however, increase sex differences in positional behavior by driving female arboreality. We suggest this is because of higher energetic demands and predator pressures associated with open vegetation, which are likely exaggerated for reproducing females. These results have implications for the interpretation of how sexual dimorphism may influence reconstructions of hominin positional behavior.

Health Behavior Frameworks Describing HPV Vaccine Uptake in Adults: A Scoping Review

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most prevalent sexually transmitted disease in the United States, and it has been shown to cause a number of different cancers, namely cervical. Fortunately, there is a highly efficacious vaccine that is available to adolescents and adults up to age 45. Vaccination rates in adults have increased over the years but are still low, especially in men. There is a need to understand HPV vaccine-seeking behaviors in adults to better address their concerns, beliefs, and barriers. The purpose of this scoping review is to provide a synthesis of the current literature on health behavior frameworks that have been used to describe HPV vaccine uptake in adults. This review also covers the socioeconomic barriers of adults getting the vaccine. For this review, 33 articles were found and included. The theory of planned behavior, health belief model, and social cognitive theory were the most commonly seen frameworks in the literature. Theoretical constructs that significantly predicted HPV vaccine behavior across the included studies were social norms, attitudes, perceived behavioral control, perceived benefits, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived barriers, and self-efficacy. Major socioeconomic factors that were described were provider recommendation, knowledge, age, gender, race, awareness, and marital status. This information is critical for public health efforts to better target the adult population with HPV vaccine information and awareness. It is also necessary for providers to better understand patients and their potential barriers to getting the HPV vaccine.

Using Apple Watches to Monitor Health and Behaviors of Individuals with Cognitive Impairment: A Case Series Study.

This study explores the potential of developing digital biomarkers from wearables for monitoring individuals with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias, focusing on the feasibility of using Apple Watches for tracking health and behaviors in older adults with cognitive impairment. Data collection used the Amissa Health technology stack, which passively collects time-series data from smartwatches and provides a high-frequency cloud database for secure data storage, query, and visualization by clinicians and researchers. The platform consists of i) AmissaWear, a software app that runs on smartwatches and sends information to a cloud database using a secure API; and ii) AmissaOrbis, a centralized cloud portal for the collected data. Each participant was provided an Apple Watch configured to collect steps, calories burned, accelerometer and gyroscope readings, heart rate, and sleep information. Seven participants, with cognitive impairment diagnosed by a neurologist, were enrolled in the study from December 2023 through June 2024. The watches successfully collected more than 700,000 observations during the study. Each observation contains data recorded from over a dozen sensors (e.g., heart rate, pedometer, gyroscope, accelerometer). The participants wore Apple Watches for an average of 11.48 hours/day for 84.91% of days during a 6-month period without a decrease in usage over time. Overall, the technology yielded high wear adherence and participation within this pilot. This study demonstrates the feasibility of using widely available Apple Watches for continuous monitoring of individuals with cognitive impairment and provides insights into their daily health and activity patterns, which could aid in future development of digital biomarkers.

Risky Reproductive Health Behavior and Information Access on Adolescents: Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis

Adolescence is a vital period of development marked by confusion, a range of emotions, and an understanding of adult behavior, the environment, enthusiasm, and an inclination to explore, particularly with drugs, alcohol, and sex. This study outlines adolescents' knowledge, attitude, access to information and risky behaviors related to reproductive health. This study employed a concurrent triangulation design, using mixed methodologies. The chi-square test was used to examine this form of quantitative study. The focus groups and in-depth interviews with teenagers in several agencies, along with the accompanying teachers and parents, provided qualitative information for this study. Adolescents had greater access to knowledge about reproductive health issues, but the majority were unable to make effective use of this information. Numerous risky habits, including drug use, also set off unsafe sexual behaviors. In contrast to their parents or professors, teenagers increasingly feel more at the ease of sharing stories with their friends. It is intended that parents and educators will act in a peer-like manner by imitating teenagers’ social cues. Quantitative analysis revealed relationships among information access, attitude, knowledge, and reproductive behavior. Teenagers typically have higher knowledge of their reproductive health. However, the majority of them struggle to put this knowledge into practice, and as a result, many engage in risky sexual behavior out of curiosity.

Voices from the co-creators: perspectives on collaborative innovation

Abstract Lauren will offer firsthand accounts from co-creators in Scotland involved in the development of an intervention targeting sedentary behaviour in adults. This presentation provides a unique insight into the co-creation process, highlighting the collaborative journey, challenges encountered, and successes achieved. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore real-world experiences and lessons learned from those immersed in the co-creation of interventions.

Factors Associated With Health-Promoting Behaviors Among South Korean Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study.

To examine the association between positive psychological capital, social support, illness attitudes toward COVID-19, and health-promoting behaviors in Korean adults. An online cross-sectional study. The participants were 820 South Korean adults aged 19-64, recruited through quota sampling. The sample was census-matched in terms of age and gender based on the Korean Population Census. The participants completed measures assessing psychological capital, social support, illness attitude toward COVID-19, and health-promoting behaviors. The t-test, one-way analysis of variance, Pearson's correlation, and multiple stepwise regression analysis were used to analyze the data. Participants who were religious, perceived themselves as physically healthy, had negative illness attitudes, had high positive psychological capital, and received high social support were more likely to engage in health-promoting behaviors. These variables explained 44.5% of the participants' health-promoting behaviors. This study is the first to examine illness attitudes toward COVID-19 and health-promoting behaviors among South Korean adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results can pave the way for effective public health intervention strategies that consider religiosity, physical health status, illness attitude, and social support, to promote healthy living during future public health crises.

The use of digital technologies to promote sexual health in young adults: a narrative review

Abstract Background New technologies have the potential to play an important role in promoting sexual health, especially among young people, who are the biggest users and those at greatest risk of contracting Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI). The risk behavior assumed by young people today highlights this vulnerability in several contexts, such as individual, social, economic, and family. In this sense, it becomes relevant to approach sex education in schools using digital technologies. Objectives To identify the evidence in the literature on the use of digital technologies to promote the sexual health of young adults. Methods Narrative literature review. Three independent reviewers extracted, analyzed and synthesized the articles and results. Results Through the selection process, four studies were included. The articles show that the use of digital technologies (mobile phones/applications) leads to increased knowledge, improved attitudes and sexual behavior among young adults. The interventions studied in the studies were based on Short Message Service, electronic mail interventions and the MyPEEPS mobile application, with the following main focuses: Increased knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of young adults. Considering the results of the studies, all interventions proved to be effective as facilitators of sexual health promotion. Conclusions The use of digital technologies allowed an increase in the promotion of the sexual health of the participants, since there was an increase in the level of knowledge with the use of digital technologies such as SMS, emails and mobile applications when comparing the experimental and control groups. The use of these digital technologies also allowed for a change in attitudes and behaviors, such as a significant increase in serological testing for STIs and an increase in health care seeking. Key messages • The use of digital technology promotes the sexual health of young adults, so these strategies should be implemented by health professionals. • The dissemination of these digital strategies will have an impact on Public Health, specifically regarding the sexual health of young adults.

Development and validation of the Behavioral Determinants of Deprescribing Questionnaire (BDDQ)

Abstract Background Deprescribing is a strategy to optimize medication use. While health behaviour can successfully be predicted by health behavior theories, the literature on deprescribing relies almost exclusively on questionnaires that measure attitudes only, such as the Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire and the Patients Attitudes Towards Deprescribing, resulting in poor predictive validity. The aim of this study was to develop a new tool to measure the psychological determinants of deprescribing among people aged over 60, based on concepts derived from health behaviour theories. Methods A draft self-report questionnaire was developed consisting of 64 questions measuring 11 dimensions representing determinants of deprescribing. As well as previous deprescribing experience, current deprescribing behaviour and willingness to deprescribe. Face validity was assessed by asking 10 health professionals and 13 of older people to complete the questionnaire and comment in a small group discussion, resulting in the removal of 18 items. Construct validity was assessed on a sample of 103 participants aged over 60, using exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Internal consistency was assessed via Cronbach’s alpha. Results The EFA could confirm 11 dimensions explaining 70,5% of the total variance, but revealed poor loadings for several items and inadequate alphas (&amp;lt;.50) for two factors. Removal of items and these two dimensions resulted in 26 items measuring 9 dimensions, all showing acceptable internal consistencies (between .52 and .77): perceived risk; relatives’ involvement; deprescribing concerns; attitudes; medication beliefs; healthcare support; perceived difficulties; motivation to comply; communication accessibility. Conclusions This study produced a conceptually based and psychometrically validated questionnaire to assess behavioural determinants of deprescribing. It provides for a more comprehensive investigation of deprescribing intentions and behaviour of older adults. Key messages • A conceptually sound, psychometrically validated questionnaire (BDDQ) was developed. • BDDQ can be used for a more comprehensive study of de-prescribing in older people.

Changes in overweight and overweight-related health behavior in higher education students in Finland

Abstract Introduction Covid-19 pandemic may have had negative effects on overweight and overweight-related health behavior in young adults. The aim was to examine the changes in overweight, physical activity, sedentary behavior and daytime tiredness in higher education students during and after the pandemic. Methods Two cross-sectional student representative surveys (aged 18-34 y) were conducted in 2021 (n = 6258, response rate 53 %) and 2024 (n = 3638, response rate 31 %). Overweight (BMI ≥25 kg/m2) was based on self-reported height and weight. Physical activity was dichotomized into those meeting physical activity recommendations and others. Sedentary behavior was dichotomized into sitting in front of TV, computer or smart device over three hours a day during leisure time and others. Daytime tiredness was dichotomized into those feeling tired 6-7 days a week and others. Results The preliminary results indicate that overweight in women increased from 34 % to 39 % whereas no increase was observed among men (47 % vs. 46 %) between 2021 and 2024. Meeting the physical activity recommendation increased from 46 % to 55 %, the change being similar for both sexes. Sitting over three hours in leisure time in front of TV, computer or smart device decreased from 54 % to 50 %. In men, the prevalence of sitting decreased (62% vs. 57 %) whereas in women no statistically significant change was observed (47% vs 45 %). No statistically significant change was observed in feeling tired almost every day (26 % vs 24 %). Conclusions Among higher education students, an increase in prevalence of overweight in women was observed for three years period. Favourable changes were observed in physical activity in both men and women, and sedentary behavior in men. Surveillance of the long-term health consequences of the pandemic in young adults is important for planning and targeting preventive activities. Key messages • Overweight increased among female higher education students after COVID-19 pandemic. • Factors supporting favourable changes in health behaviour of young adults after pandemic should be examined in longitudinal setting.

Patterns of overeating in middle-aged Chinese from Hong Kong

Abstract Background Obesity is one of the most important risk factors for non-communicable diseases worldwide. Overweightness may be attributable to a wide spectrum of overeating behaviours. However, the various types of overeating behaviors are under-studied in Asia, particularly in non-adolescent age groups. This study aims to estimate the prevalence and factors associated with various overeating patterns among middle-aged Chinese adults. Methods A random telephone survey was conducted in 2023 on Hong Kong Chinese adults between 35 and 59 years or age (n = 785). An instrument composed of modified Positive-Negative Emotional Eating (EE) Scale, Night Eating Questionnaire-Chinese (NEQ), Binge Eating Disorder Screener (BED-7), Depression Anxiety and Stress Scales (DASS-21), demographic factors, BMI and number of reported gastrointestinal (GI) conditions was used. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to test the association of demographic factors, BMI, GI conditions as well as dysphoric mood with overeating behaviors. Results Hong Kong Chinese middle-aged adults reported the following past-month prevalence of overeating behaviors: positive EE (26.1%), general overeating (12.4%), negative EE (9.2%), binge eating (6.0%) and night eating behavior (1.8%). Nightshift work, mental stress, being single and younger age were common risk factors for the various overeating patterns among middle-aged men. Anxiety, high/low educational levels and younger age were common risk factors among middle-aged women. Obesity was associated with binge eating and positive EE in men (OR: 1.7-4.0) and associated with negative EE and general overeating (OR:2.3-2.7) in women. Conclusions This study noted that binge eating, night eating, positive/negative EE, and GOB were distinct eating patterns requiring different clinical approaches. The significant association between various overeating behaviors with BMI, indicates that these individuals should be prioritized to receive healthy eating interventions. Key messages • Adult overeating is not a singular behavior but represents an array of different eating patterns with different risk factors. • Like their Western counterparts, overeating behaviors in Chinese adults are often linked to dysphoric mood, therefore treatment of obesity may require psychological counseling.

Factors associated with readmissions in psychiatric inpatient care: a prospective cohort study based on hospital registers

BackgroundReadmissions in psychiatric inpatient care may reflect problems in the provision of care, but the underlying factors are not well known. We examined the associations of patient characteristics (sociodemographic factors, diagnoses), treatment (duration, previous episodes, neuromodulation) and ward overload with psychiatric inpatient readmissions and multiple readmissions in Finland.MethodsWe used a routinely collected data pool from one hospital district and followed all 2052 hospitalizations that started in 2018. The outcomes were readmission within 30 days and one year, and among those with readmission, the number of readmissions.ResultsOf the patients, 11% had readmission within 30 days and 33% had readmission within one year. Women, those with previous hospitalizations, those with an ICD-10 diagnosis from the ‘behavioural syndromes associated with physiological disturbances and physical factors / disorders of adult personality and behaviour’ group, those with a diagnosis from the ‘neurotic, stress-related and somatoform disorders’ group, those with psychotic disorders, and those who received neuromodulation treatment were more likely to have readmissions. Having a diagnosis of ‘disorders of psychological development’ or ‘behavioural and emotional disorders with onset usually occurring in childhood and adolescence’ was associated with a lower likelihood of readmission. The duration of treatment and ward overload during the index period were not associated with readmission.ConclusionsThe findings of this study suggest possible risk factors for readmission and can be used to plan psychiatric care. To some degree, the risk factors varied between different readmission types. It is important to examine whether there are unmet treatment needs in psychiatric inpatient care for children and adolescents.