Computer Assisted Web Interview Research Articles

Public Awareness and Willingness to Vaccinate Against Herpes Zoster: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study in Poland

Objectives: Herpes zoster (HZ), caused by varicella zoster virus reactivation, affects a significant portion of the population, leading to substantial morbidity. Vaccination is highly effective in preventing HZ, yet awareness and uptake remain low. This study assessed awareness and willingness to vaccinate against HZ in Poland following the introduction of a reimbursement policy. Methods: A nationwide cross-sectional survey (September 2024) using a computer-assisted web interview (CAWI) method collected data from 1137 adults. Factors associated with HZ vaccine awareness and willingness were analyzed using logistic regression models. Results: Only 47% of respondents reported awareness of the HZ vaccine. Television was the primary information source (52%). Factors associated with awareness included chronic disease status (aOR = 1.35, 1.02–1.80, p = 0.04). Willingness to vaccinate was reported by 63.7% of eligible participants, with factors such as the absence of children (aOR = 1.30, 1.01–1.69, p = 0.04) and moderate financial status (aOR = 1.51, 1.04–2.18, p = 0.03) being associated with higher willingness. Conclusions: Significant gaps exist in public awareness and willingness to vaccinate against HZ in Poland. Multifaceted strategies, including targeted media campaigns, enhanced physician engagement and improved access, are needed to increase vaccination rates.

Overcoming the Challenge of Exploration: Organizational Readiness of Technology Entrepreneurship on the Background of Energy Climate Nexus

This paper examines the organizational readiness of Polish energy enterprises in the face of these challenges, exploring factors that influence their ability to undertake exploratory innovation and meet the demands of the energy–climate nexus. The study aims to investigate the organizational readiness of Polish energy enterprises, focusing on their capacity to explore and adopt innovative solutions in response to the dual pressures of advancing energy technologies and addressing climate imperatives. The triangulation of research methods was chosen to achieve the most reliable research outcomes. Among the available techniques, two were selected: computer-assisted web interviewing (CAWI) and in-depth interviews, both of which were employed to gather the necessary data. The model illustrates the impact of each interaction among the three types of affordances, presenting a corresponding set of results specific to digital affordances and entrepreneurial dynamics. Furthermore, it offers policy recommendations to support the sector’s adaptive capacity and proposes frameworks for energy firms to enhance their exploration capabilities in response to both market and regulatory imperatives. The research objective is to assess the current state of organizational readiness among Polish energy enterprises for implementing and scaling new technologies that contribute to both enhanced energy efficiency and resilience to climate change.

Changes in hotel activities in Ukraine and Poland due to the war: Migration aspect

Internal displacement to safer regions and migration abroad became a new phenomenon in Ukraine due to Russian military aggression. Accordingly, hotels began to provide services to a new category of consumers – internally displaced persons (in Ukraine) and migrants (abroad). In 2022, Poland received the most migrants from Ukraine due to its geographical position and significant economic ties. This study aims to identify changes in hotel activities in Ukraine and Poland caused by internal and external migration. The results are based on Computer Assisted Web Interviewing (CAWI) conducted in April-July 2023, to which 300 hotels in Ukraine and Poland were invited. Answers were received from 93 Ukrainian and 94 Polish hotels. The majority (66% in Ukraine and 62% in Poland) have a star rating of 2-3*, with an average capacity of 45 rooms in Poland and 49 in Ukraine. According to hotel managers, the level of occupancy of hotels increased on average – in Ukraine by 6% and in Poland by 13%. The specific weight of migrants in hotels in Poland was 23% of all customers; in Ukraine, it was 12%. Hotels in both countries began to introduce new services, attract different sources of cost coverage (however, Polish hotels used wider opportunities), and attract migrants to employment (34% in Poland and 7.5% in Ukraine), contributing to additional occupancy rates and financial stability. Changes in hotel operations caused by migration processes as a result of the war reflect their adaptability and economic sustainability. Acknowledgment The paper shows the results of the study performed in 2021−2023 at State University of Trade and Economics at the request of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine “Forecasting the impact of the tourism system on the country’s economy” (state registration number 0122U001559).The authors would like to express their gratitude to the Kirkland Research Program, the Leaders of Change Foundation, the Polish American Freedom Foundation, Polish Chamber of Commerce for Hotel Industry, and to those who helped to disseminate information about the survey, as well as to the Polish hotels and all those who expressed interest in the results.

Innovative Production and Innovative Agricultural Products in the Food Economy in the Context of Selected Lifestyle Elements of the Inhabitants of South-Eastern Poland: Case Study

Sustainable development in the agriculture of the future will lead to innovative production, providing the possibility of obtaining better quality agricultural products. In turn, these innovative agricultural products will fit into new social lifestyles. Therefore, in this study, the authors asked the following research questions: (i) How do respondents perceive innovative agricultural production and innovative products in the area of food economy?; (ii) what is the relationship between selected lifestyle elements and the perception of innovative agricultural production and products? The research tool was a survey questionnaire. The diagnostic study was conducted using the CAWI (Computer-Assisted Web Interview) technique. The study was partial and non-probabilistic in nature. Participation in the study was voluntary and anonymous, and completion of the form could be interrupted at any time. The target group were adults aged ≥ 18 years. They were residents of south-eastern Poland, from the Podkarpackie and Lublin provinces. The study was of a correlational nature, as it sought relationships between the elements studied, without the possibility of influencing the level of individual variables. A five-point Likert scale with a neutral value was used for the assessment. Spearman correlation analysis (rS) was performed to find the relationship between the items. This type of correlation was chosen because the variables subjected to calculations were on an ordinal scale. The Kruskal–Wallis H test was also calculated to determine the effect of independent variables (lifestyle elements) on dependent variables (perception of innovative production and food products). The Mann–Whitney U test was utilized to calculate and identify differences between groups (sex and place of residence). Statistical significance was assessed at the level of α = 0.05. To illustrate these differences more clearly, categorized graphs of the average ratings of the items studied were also drawn up. The research results indicate a different approach from men and women to the issues studied. The place of residence and the approach of the respondents from south-eastern Poland to the studied lifestyle elements influenced their perception of sustainable agricultural production and innovative features of agricultural products. The examined lifestyle elements demonstrated a varied impact on the perception of innovative production and innovative food products.

Loss of resources and gambling during the COVID-19 pandemic: a three-wave longitudinal study

This study is based on the Conservation of Resources theory and investigates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated resource loss on gambling behaviour among Polish gamblers. The study surveyed 585 individuals engaged in land-based gambling before the pandemic. Participants completed computer-assisted web interviews, responding to questions regarding land-based and online gambling frequencies, the Problem Gambling Severity Index, and the Inventory of Loss of Resources in Pandemics. The findings revealed significant shifts in gambling behaviour due to pandemic-related restrictions. Land-based gambling declined during lockdowns and the third wave of the study, while online gambling surged as gamblers transitioned from land-based venues. Gamblers tended to return to land-based options as restrictions eased. Over consecutive waves, participants reported decreasing resource loss levels. Significantly, resource loss was influenced by gambling frequency rather than vice versa. Both types of gambling experienced parallel declines at the beginning of the pandemic, which subsided as the new situation became normalised. Players engaging more in gambling experienced more significant resource losses during the pandemic. Those with more resources at the pandemic’s onset adapted more readily, whereas individuals with limited resources faced resource loss. Conclusions Even with stable gambling levels, heavy gamblers at baseline were at higher risk for issues. The dynamics between resource loss and gambling and problem gambling supported the resource loss spiral concept.

Energy Drink Consumption Among Physically Active Polish Adolescents: Gender and Age-Specific Public Health Issue.

To analyse the consumption of energy drinks (EDs) and the motives for their consumption among physically active adolescents in Poland. A nationwide survey study was conducted in 1,530 adolescents (10-14years old) participating in extracurricular, organised sports activities. A computer-assisted web interview method was applied. Nearly half (46.4%) of the respondents were ED consumers (significantly more boys than girls: 53.0% vs. 47.0%, p = 0.010). The percentage of ED consumers increased with age, from 27.2% in 10-year-olds to 65.4% in the group of 14-year-olds (p < 0.001). The motives and circumstances of ED consumption varied depending on gender: girls were more likely than boys to drink EDs to improve concentration during studying (17.1% vs. 8.8%, p < 0.001) and to stay awake (22.8% vs. 13.8%, p = 0.002), whereas boys more often than girls reported drinking EDs during physical activity (10.9% vs. 6.0%, p = 0.020). It is necessary to implement gender-diversified educational campaigns on negative health effects of EDs, targeting children, parents and teachers, as consumption of EDs has been identified as a significant public health problem in Poland.

Employer Actions in Office Settings and Women's Perception of the Workplace as Supportive of Healthy Eating: A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study.

This study aimed to evaluate how women working in office environments perceive their workplace as promoting healthy eating behaviors through employer-led actions. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 230 professionally active women employed in office settings in Poland. Data were collected using the Computer-Assisted Web Interview (CAWI) method. Participants were divided into two groups based on their perceived level of workplace support for healthy eating behaviors, as measured by the Workplace Healthy Eating Scale. Group 1 (n = 125; 54.3%; mean score = 15.69, SD = 3.76) and Group 2 (n = 105; 45.7%; mean score = 29.88, SD = 5.15) reflected low and high perceived support, respectively. A linear regression model was employed to assess the association between the perceived level of support and specific workplace initiatives, including access to fresh fruits and vegetables, meal preparation facilities, cafeteria usage, lectures on nutrition, cooking workshops, and individual dietary consultations. For Group 1, access to fresh fruits and vegetables was the only factor significantly associated with a positive perception of the workplace as promoting healthy eating (p = 0.003), explaining 6.5% of the variance (adjusted R2 = 0.065). In Group 2, both access to fresh produce and participation in cooking workshops were significantly associated with positive workplace perceptions (p < 0.001), explaining 41% of the variance (adjusted R2 = 0.410). Access to fresh produce is a key determinant of employees' perceptions of workplace support for healthy eating behaviors, with a notably greater impact observed when combined with additional activities such as cooking workshops. Employer-led initiatives focusing on practical dietary engagement appear to be effective in enhancing workplace perceptions of health promotion.

Nicotine use in Polish adolescents and sociodemographic factors correlations - PolNicoYouth study

Abstract Background &amp; aim Almost 36% of Polish smokers started their addiction before the age of 17. Polish youth exhibit a higher prevalence of e-cigarette use (29.5%) than traditional cigarettes (26.2%). This study aimed to outline the prevalence of tobacco and nicotine product use based on usage frequency, poly-product use patterns among ever/former/naive users. Methods In the 2020 cross-sectional study, secondary school students from 200 schools, were selected nationwide using a stratified and random approach, making the sample representative of the entire Polish population. Data were collected through Computer-Assisted Web Interviews, using a questionnaire based on the Global Youth Tobacco Survey. Bayesian linear regression was used to assess correlations. Results The study consisted of 16,712 pupils aged 15-18. Almost 30% of participants admitted to current e-cigarette usage. Questions on parental smoking habits showed that 45.95% of parents smoke traditional cigarettes, 13.89% use e-cigarettes, and 13.80% use heated tobacco products (HTP). There was a very strong positive correlation between the female gender and the initiation of smoking with regular cigarettes (log[BF]=10.76). A very strong positive correlation between those studying in vocational schools and with initiation with regular cigarettes during initiation (log[BF]=18.13), while high school students had a greater association with e-cigarettes (log[BF]=11.08). There was also a very strong positive correlation between adolescents initiating smoking with regular cigarettes when their parents are also regular cigarette smokers (log[BF]=8.11) - no corresponding correlations were observed for e-cigarettes and HTP. There is a moderate positive correlation indicating a relationship between younger age (15 vs 18) and initiation by e-cigarette (log[BF]=1.8). Key messages • The type of nicotine product used by adolescents for nicotine initiation correlates differently with various socio-demographic factors and the type of nicotine product used by parents. • Taking these relationships into consideration enables the development of tailored nicotine prevention.

Predictors of Dietary Supplement Use Among Children Attending Care and Educational Institutions in Krakow, Poland.

Socioeconomic status and parental lifestyle influence dietary behaviors, including the administration of oral dietary supplements in children. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of selected health, dietary, and sociodemographic factors on the use of dietary supplements by children. In this cross-sectional observational study, a diagnostic survey based on the computer-assisted web interview method was conducted in November 2022 among 2826 parents whose children attend public educational institutions in Krakow, Poland. The study group included data on 497 nursery children (17.6%), 599 kindergarten children (21.2%), 1594 primary school children (56.4%), and 136 secondary school children (4.8%). Among all respondents, 72.2% were taking oral nutritional supplements, with vitamin D supplementation being particularly popular in all groups. Logistic regression analysis identified predictors of supplement use, including special diet (p < 0.001), use of medication for chronic disease (p = 0.012), regularity of main meals (p = 0.022), and attending a sports school (p = 0.021). A decrease in supplement use was observed with the increasing level of education of children (p < 0.001). These results highlight the importance of various health, dietary, and sociodemographic factors in influencing decisions regarding dietary supplementation in children. Further assessment of dietary supplement usage should be conducted alongside evaluations of nutrient intake from the children's diet.

JOBS Program Germany for health promotion among the unemployed

Abstract Aim The unemployed suffer from poorer health than the employed, especially in terms of mental health. At the same time, health promotion reaches unemployed less than employed. The “JOBS Program” is an intervention for the unemployed to promote health. It has shown positive effects in the USA and Finland. The aim of this confirmatory study (Hollederer &amp; Jahn, 2023; Jahn &amp; Hollederer, 2024) was to investigate whether the JOBS Program produces similar effects in Germany. Methods A multicenter randomized controlled trial was applied to compare an intervention group (IVG) with a waiting control group (WCG) before (T0; n = 94), shortly after (T1; n = 65) the intervention and about 6 months after the intervention (T2; n = 43). Fourteen JOBS Program trainings have been conducted. Additionally, JOBS Program trainers were interviewed via voluntary computer-assisted web interviews (resulting in 28 interviews). Results JOBS Program Germany was beneficial. Following changes in the primary outcomes were identified from T0 to T1: Compared to the WCG, a multivariate regression estimated that the IVG had (1) a 0.34 scale point higher level of self-rated general health (p = 0.025; scale range: 1-5 points), (2) a 14.52 scale point higher level of mental well-being (p = 0.004), and (3) a 2.74 scale point higher level of life satisfaction (p = 0.049). About 6 months after the training had been conducted (T2), participants in the JOBS training showed better general health status (0.41-point; p = 0.016) compared to the WCG. Furthermore, 78.5% of the JOBS Program trainers were rather or very satisfied with the theoretical contents and 85.7% with the practical implementation. A central obstacle to the implementation was the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions This study provides evidence for the effectiveness of the JOBS Program with respect to the above outcomes, and for older and long-term unemployed, suggesting the benefit of regular implementation for different groups of unemployed in Germany. Key messages • The results of the confirmatory study show positive effects of the JOBS Program on the general health status and unemployment-related mental burden among unemployed people in Germany. • The introduction of the JOBS Program as a nationwide intervention in Germany could be an intervention approach for the unemployed to achieve better health.

Encouraging Residents to Save Energy by Using Smart Transportation: Incorporating the Propensity to Save Energy into the UTAUT Model

The rapid urbanization and technological advancements of the recent decades have increased the need for efficient and sustainable transportation solutions. This study examines the acceptance of smart transportation systems (STSs) among residents in Polish cities and explores the impact of these systems on energy-saving behaviors. Using the extended Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) model, which includes the propensity to save energy, this research seeks to understand the determinants of STS adoption. The primary research was conducted using Computer-Assisted Web Interviewing (CAWI). The sample was controlled for gender and place of residence. A sample of 471 individuals meeting the criteria of living in a city with over 200,000 residents and using smart transportation solutions in Poland were selected from the research panel. SmartPLS 4 software was used to analyze the collected data. The findings reveal that the propensity to save energy significantly influences perceived usefulness, ease of use, social influence, and hedonic motivation toward STSs. Perceived usefulness and ease of use were found to be strong predictors of the intention to use STSs, while perceived costs had a negative impact on it. This study also identified the moderating role of personal innovativeness in mitigating cost concerns. These insights underscore the importance of emphasizing energy conservation benefits and user-friendly features in promoting the use of STSs. This study concludes that aligning technological innovations with user motivations for energy conservation can enhance the adoption of sustainable transportation solutions, contributing to smarter and more sustainable urban environments.

Employee experience and well-being at work – from theoretical considerations to practical investigations

BackgroundThe aim of the article is to show the main approaches in defining employee well-being (EWB) and employee experience (EX), their antecedents and effects within organizations and the relations between these two phenomena. The second objective is to explore human resources (HR) practitioners’ knowledge of how to distinguish between the two phenomena and their approach to taking responsibility for implementing and investing in EWB and EX initiatives in organizations.Participants and procedureResearch procedure leveraged computer-assisted web interview technique, where respondents filled out online version of the questionnaire, distributed through the LinkedIn platform. A total of 41 HR experts completed the questionnaire. Respond-ents represented large companies, mainly managers with more than 10 years of experience.ResultsThere are significant differences between EX and EWB in the literature; however, the boundaries are blurred, especially in the context of their relations with personal and organizational outcomes resulting from increasing or maintaining the two con-cepts. Practitioners acknowledge the differences between the two constructs, yet the initiatives they deliver address the same goals without considering distinctions. Responsibility for managing and implementing interventions related to EWB and EX is mainly held by one subject – the HR department. Finally, no matter the approach to EX or EWB, most of the in-vestments are focused on vocational skill development, physical health and comfortable working conditions.ConclusionsDespite differences in the scientific literature, EWB and EX interpermeate conceptually and influence each other in the organ-izational environment. This leads to actions that are focused equally on both phenomena without regard to their impact on people and organizations. An in-depth investigation of the mechanisms responsible for creating and maintaining EWB and EX allows to understand the mutual penetrability.

Perceived environmental uncertainty and job involvement: the mediating role of digital technology and organizational trust - a cross-sectional study in primary care facilities in the UK

BackgroundDigital maturity can help primary care facilities enhance their processes, communication, and adaptability to change, thereby fostering trust and job involvement. This study aimed to examine the causal relationships between perceived environmental uncertainty, digital maturity, organizational trust, and job involvement among managers of primary care facilities in the UK. The researchers applied socio-technical theory to examine the consequences of technology implementation on work practices and utilized contingency theory to ensure long-term stability in primary care facilities.MethodsThe study was conducted in the second quarter of 2023, surveying 200 managers from primary care facilities in the UK. The survey was conducted using a computer-assisted web interview (CAWI) method based on a purchased panel of respondents. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and structural equation modeling.ResultsThe results showed that perceived environmental uncertainty moderately impacts digital maturity. A greater level of perceived environmental uncertainty is related to greater organizational digital maturity, although perceived environmental uncertainty explains only 15.0% of the variance in digital maturity. The analysis also showed that the impact of digital maturity on organizational trust is positive, significant, and strong, while its impact on job involvement is positive and significant but rather moderate. Moreover, digital maturity mediates the relationship between environmental uncertainty and job involvement among managers of primary care facilities. The weakest link in the model is the connection between organizational trust and job involvement.ConclusionsThe analysis showed that digital maturity is key in shaping organizational trust in primary care facilities and job involvement among their managers. As organizations progress in their digital capabilities, they are better positioned to cultivate trust within their structures. The results of this research contribute to the literature on human resource management in the healthcare sector by deepening knowledge about the impact of environmental uncertainty and digital transformation on organizational trust and job involvement. This study provides important policy information for managers who seek tools to mitigate the adverse effects of environmental uncertainty and want to increase job involvement within primary care facilities.

How management support and diversity factors affect employee performance within the digital workplace

PurposeWe aimed to determine how remote management support (MS) practices and staff diversity influenced employee performance (EP) within the digital workplace (DW) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The article highlights the challenges managers face in achieving EP in the DW compared to traditional work environments.Design/methodology/approachWe developed a theoretical model (MS→DW→EP) and tested it based on the computer-assisted web interview (CAWI) conducted in mid-2022. Factors of primary, secondary and organizational diversity moderated the relationship between the variables. We purposely selected a sample of 1,000 respondents with remote working experience.FindingsThe results show that the DW partially mediates the relationship between MS and EP. The greater the uncertainty in managing people, the more flexibility, trust and job satisfaction required in the DW to achieve EP. Organizational diversity influenced the model more (i.e. teamwork vs individual work) than the primary and secondary diversity (i.e. gender and education).Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the sample size was large, we cannot consider it statistically representative.Practical implicationsZoomers and Millennials reflect full mediation in the model that supports EP.Social implicationsBroader work autonomy, smaller organizations and teams as well as hybrid work arrangements, reduce the necessity for in-person meetings with superiors.Originality/valueSupervisors had to reduce control over the DW while expanding organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) to enhance job satisfaction and thus ensure the expected EP during the pandemic. We may consider allowing an employee to postpone work as a new managerial activity within MS.

Individual determinants of job satisfaction among young adults in Poland

Abstract Job satisfaction is an essential factor influencing employees as well as employers. This study aims to identify and compare overall job satisfaction determinants among young adults in Poland in two dimensions, i.e., economic and socio-demographic. The ordered logit model was built upon the data collected in 2021 in a survey using the Computer Assisted Web Interview technique on a sample of 304 young adults aged 18–29 years in Poland. The results indicate that young adults’ job satisfaction in Poland is determined by wage satisfaction to the highest extent. It was also demonstrated that the impact of economic factors on job satisfaction is much stronger than that of socio-demographic ones. Individual income increases the probability of high job satisfaction to a greater extent than disposable income per person in a household. Moreover, the economic profile of education increases the probability of greater job satisfaction.

The Impact of Social Media and Socio-Cultural Attitudes toward Body Image on the Risk of Orthorexia among Female Football Players of Different Nationalities.

Orthorexia Nervosa (ON) is an emerging behavioral pattern characterized by an obsessive focus on healthy eating. Despite its prevalence, ON lacks formal diagnostic criteria in major classification systems like the DSM-5 and the ICD-10. This study aims to investigate the impact of socio-cultural attitudes towards body image and the role of social media on the risk of ON among female football players from Poland, Turkey, and India. This study hypothesizes that socio-cultural pressures and media usage significantly influence the risk of developing ON, particularly in cultures more exposed to Western beauty ideals. The study was conducted from May to August 2024, employing the Computer-Assisted Web Interview method. A total of 142 female football players aged 16-36 from Poland, Turkey, and India participated. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire that included demographic information and health metrics, the Socio-Cultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire, and the Duesseldorf Orthorexia Scale. Statistical analyses included an ANOVA, the Kruskal-Wallis test, the chi-square test, and Pearson's correlation coefficient. The study found that nearly half of the participants were at risk of or presented with ON, with the highest prevalence being among Indian athletes. Statistically significant relationships were observed between the risk of ON and factors such as age, dietary exclusions, social media usage, and sources of nutritional information. However, no significant correlation was found between socio-cultural attitudes and the risk of ON, suggesting that other factors may play a more critical role. While socio-cultural pressures and media use are contributing factors to the risk of ON, psychological factors and individual behaviors appear to be equally, if not more, significant. This study highlights the importance of targeted educational programs and psychological support for young athletes, with a focus on promoting healthy dietary practices and positive body image perceptions across varying cultural contexts. Additionally, the results suggest the need for further research into the specific psychological and behavioral mechanisms underlying ON.

Dietary Habits, Physical Activity and Body Mass Index in Transgender and Gender Diverse Adults in Italy: A Voluntary Sampling Observational Study.

Transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) individuals continue to experience harassment and discrimination across various aspects of life, significantly impacting their physical and mental health. The scarcity of data on their general health, particularly regarding dietary habits, remains a challenge in developing effective healthcare strategies for this population. To address this gap, we analyzed selected dietary habits, physical activity (PA), and body mass index (BMI) among Italian TGD adults compared to the Italian general population (IGP). An online anonymous survey was conducted via the Computer Assisted Web Interviewing technique from June 2020 to June 2021. Participants were enrolled through clinical centers and TGD organizations. Data from 959 TGD adults were analyzed using chi-squared tests and logistic regression models. Key findings indicated that approximately 70% of TGD individuals consumed fewer servings of fruit and vegetables (FV) than recommended (five or more servings per day). Although red meat consumption was lower overall, a greater percentage of TGD individuals reported consuming more than three servings per week. Additionally, 58% of TGD participants indicated that they did not engage in any PA, compared to 36% of the IGP. Notably, significant differences in BMI were identified, with higher rates of overweight and obesity among TGD individuals assigned female at birth. These results underscore the urgent need for tailored nutritional guidelines and inclusive public health strategies to meet the specific health needs of the Italian TGD population. Expanding access to targeted interventions could contribute to improving overall well-being in this marginalized group.

The Association between Self-Reported Long COVID Symptoms and COVID-19 Conspiracy Theories in Jordan and Kuwait

Long COVID comprises persistent symptoms that extend beyond four weeks post-SARS-CoV-2 infection. The potential association between long COVID and the endorsement of COVID-19 conspiracy theories has not been explored, particularly in Arab countries, where high endorsement of these theories has been reported. This study aimed to explore the association between endorsing COVID-19 conspiracy theories and the prevalence of self-reported long COVID symptoms among adults in Jordan and Kuwait in addition to other Arab countries. The study employed a cross-sectional design using Computer-Assisted Web Interviewing (CAWI), conducted in Arabic. Recruitment utilized convenience-based snowball sampling via social media and the survey was distributed in July 2024. Long COVID manifestations were assessed across ten recognized symptoms, and belief in conspiracy theories was measured using a five-point Likert scale across five items. The final study sample comprised 755 respondents, the majority of whom self-reported a history of confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis at least once (n = 493, 65.2%). The results indicated a neutral average attitude towards COVID-19 conspiracy theories (mean score = 15.18 ± 4.64 out of 30.00). Participants with high COVID-19 conspiracy theories scores were more likely to report high (aOR = 6.85, p &lt; 0.001) or middle long COVID symptoms (aOR = 2.82, p = 0.008) compared to those with lower scores. Additional predictors of higher long COVID reporting included female sex, lower household income, frequent COVID-19 infections, and hospitalizations. The study results revealed a significant correlation between the endorsement of COVID-19 conspiracy theories and a higher frequency and magnitude of long COVID symptom reporting. The findings also highlighted the influence of sociodemographic factors and COVID-19 infection history on long COVID reporting, which suggests that public health strategies should address these factors to mitigate long COVID challenges effectively.

Impact of the environmental ESG pillar on firm sustainability: Empirical research in the V4 countries

The research aimed to define the impact of the environmental pillar of ESG principles on the sustainability of firms in the V4 region and quantify the impact of certain factors on the perception of firms’ sustainability. To this end, a questionnaire survey on the attitudes of managers and business owners was conducted in February 2024 in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland and Hungary. Data were collected using the Computer Assisted Web Interviewing (CAWI) research method. The distribution of respondents by country was as follows: there were 338 respondents from the Czech Republic, 349 from Poland, 312 from Slovakia and 321 from Hungary. Correlation analysis and linear regression analysis were used to test the scientific hypotheses. The results suggest that firms that focus on the environmental education of employees, use green practices, provide truthful information about environmental impacts, and spend adequate costs on environmental protection are more likely to achieve sustainable growth. On the other hand, there appears to be no affect on corporate sustainability from policies pertaining to managing the company in accordance with specific regulations, minimising the environmental impacts of business activities, intensively addressing the energy efficiency of company buildings, and using renewable energy sources. In conclusion, firms in the V4 countries focus on that aspects of Pillar E that affect sustainable growth but do not significantly increase costs or increase the overall complexity of processes.

Participative management style in SMEs: Influence of CSR factors. Empirical evidence from the Visegrad Group

The aim of this study was to define significant corporate social responsibility (CSR) factors that determine the use of participative management style in SMEs and quantify this influence. In order to achieve this objective, a questionnaire survey was conducted on a sample of 1,398 SMEs across V4 countries. The data was collected through computer-assisted web interviewing by MNFORCE, a well-known market research firm. The empirical research was conducted in June 2022. The fundamental relationships and interconnections between CSR and the use of a participatory management approach were substantiated through the application of regression analysis. The research results demonstrated that a portion of these CSR factors significantly affects the application of participative leadership in SMEs. The strongest impact is observed for entrepreneurs' belief that CSR makes it possible to acquire satisfied, loyal, and motivated employees. The second most significant factor determining the application of participative leadership style was factor X3 (the average value of the correlation coefficient was 0.208). The potential opportunity to gain competitive advantage through the implementation of CSR also motivates entrepreneurs to apply participative leadership in SMEs; as the third most significant factor, it had an average correlation coefficient of 0.199. Finally, entrepreneurs' belief that implementing CSR has an impact on improving firm performance also proved motivating for SMEs. This study has significant practical implications. The results should motivate managers to implement essential attributes of the CSR concept, especially concerning their own employees. Managers should also recognize the importance of assessing and implementing appropriate HRM policies regarding skills, motivation, and opportunities for their employees in order to enhance business performance.