Experience Research Articles

Experiences of Animal Loss and Grief among Zoo Professionals and Volunteers: A Qualitative Study.

Zoo professionals and volunteers play essential roles in the wellbeing and conservation of a diverse array of animal species. Despite the growing body of literature revealing the psychological impacts of pet loss, there remains a dearth of information describing the experience of animal loss among those who work in zoo settings. This qualitative study explored the personal experiences of zoo animal loss among volunteers (n = 12), animal care and health professionals (ACHPs) (n = 135), and other zoo staff (n = 35) who participated in a larger mixed-method study. Participants responded to five open-ended questions exploring their most significant zoo animal death loss, where or from whom they found the most support, how the zoo community could better support them, advice for zoo leaders, and other thoughts about their grief and animal-related loss experiences. Using thematic analysis, two key themes were identified: the lasting toll of zoo animal loss and zoo professionals' and volunteers' interpersonal experiences. Participants described their experiences with animal transfers and both expected and unexpected deaths. Requests for support focused on better communication, grief resources, and opportunities to recognize and mourn animal losses. These findings suggest that zoo animal loss can negatively impact zoo professionals' and volunteers' psychological health.

PARADIGMS OF THE CONSTRUCTION OF MASCULINITY IN OUR TIME: HAVE WE OVERCOME IT?

This article proposes a debate on gender identity issues, with a main focus on masculinity in the 21st century. Moving towards a perspective that is not limited to sexuality, the concept of hegemonic masculinity is explored, influenced by several theoretical fields, such as cultural, sociological and psychoanalytic studies. The methodology adopted involves writing about oneself and remembering personal experiences, highlighting the importance of this reflection on subjectivities in the training of future teachers. The results and discussions address the influence of patriarchy and the historical construction of masculinity, as well as its hegemonic manifestations in various social contexts, such as education, work and health. It is concluded that hegemonic masculinity perpetuates male domination over women and non-normative men, but its definition and practice are complex and varied, and it is important to consider individual and contextual particularities in the analysis of male identities.

Vaccine hesitancy and the challenge of successful scientific communication

Vaccine hesitancy and the challenge of successful scientific communication Drawing on personal experiences and public discourse, Dr. Klaus Eyer, an Associate Professor at Aarhus University, explores the challenges of communicating about vaccine science to address vaccine hesitancy. Various hurdles need to be overcome by a vaccine to protect against a disease. It needs to be proven safe and effective in clinical studies. It also needs to be widely accepted and used by the public. This article examines the difficulties of communicating about vaccine science based on personal experiences and public discussions. My background is rooted in continental Europe, and my perspective may differ from those with other cultural or personal backgrounds. I have been actively involved in public outreach to promote vaccination, driven by my conviction in scientific evidence that shows current vaccines offer a net benefit to both individuals and communities, despite the challenges they present in terms of safety and efficacy in very rare cases, as I discussed in the previous article for this publication.(1) To offer a broader view, I’ve included insights from colleagues gathered through discussions in recent years, but we will still only be able to scratch the surface.

Tech vs. Tradition: ChatGPT and Mindfulness in Enhancing Older Adults' Emotional Health.

To improve older adults' mental health, this study compared the effects of AI chatbots, such as ChatGPT 3.0, with traditional mindfulness therapies on loneliness and depression in older adults. Despite interest in AI as a complementary tool, empirical evidence on its impact remains limited. For an eight-week intervention, older adult participants from two nursing homes in Hangzhou were assigned to groups focused on mindfulness (group sessions) and chatting (one-on-one ChatGPT). Following the intervention, participants engaged in a researcher-led focus group discussion. After 8 weeks, tension had decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in the Mindfulness group of older adults, and there was no significant difference between the effects of ChatGPT and mindfulness on the emotional intervention of older adults. Findings indicated three themes, including (1) personal experience, reflecting older adults' use of AI technology and mindfulness; (2) attitudes and perspectives on the experiment's desirability and insufficiencies; and (3) needs and expectations for future AI and mindfulness developments, including usability and functional preferences. Similar to mindfulness practice, ChatGPT interactions helped older adults feel less depressed and might eventually reduce costs by replacing mindfulness. In the future, AI can be integrated with conventional techniques to improve interaction by giving AI a more human-like appearance.

Supplemental Material for An Analysis of Gun Violence: Beliefs, Perceptions, and Personal Experiences

Supplemental Material for An Analysis of Gun Violence: Beliefs, Perceptions, and Personal Experiences

Mental distress and associated factors among undergraduate students: evidence from a cross-sectional study at the University of Dodoma, Tanzania

Mental distress is a common health problem facing university students worldwide. It manifests with varying levels of depression, anxiety, and somatic symptoms such as headache, backache, sleeping problems, and fatigue. University students are a high-risk group for mental distress than the general population. This study aimed to assess knowledge, the prevalence of mental distress, and its associated factors among undergraduate students. A cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate students at the University of Dodoma in Tanzania. Data were collected using pre-tested and self-administered questionnaires. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with mental distress. A total of 224 undergraduate students gave a complete response, of which the majority were aware of the common symptoms of mental distress. Self-reported mental distress experience was reported among 116/224 (51.8%) students. Multivariable logistic analysis showed that only alcohol consumption (aPR = 1.61, 95% CI 1.22–2.11, p = 0.001) was independently associated with mental distress among students. The findings of this study revealed that undergraduate students had adequate knowledge of the symptoms of mental distress. Our results show that the prevalence of self-reported mental distress was moderately high among undergraduate students. Furthermore, the study indicates a significant association between alcohol consumption and self-reported mental distress among these students. These results suggest that interventions aimed at reducing alcohol consumption may be beneficial in mitigating mental health issues among undergraduate students in Tanzania.

Knowledge, attitudes, and support needs of obstetric and gynecological nurses and midwives toward perinatal mental health disorders screening in Central China: a multicenter cross-sectional survey.

The perinatal period is a time of increased vulnerability regarding maternal mental health status. Although guidelines and policies have been published for perinatal mental health disorders (PMHDs) screening in China, the knowledge, attitudes, and support needs of nurses and midwives toward implementing mental health screening programs during pregnancy remain unclear. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the knowledge of PMHDs, attitudes and support needs related to implementing mental health screening during pregnancy among obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) nurses and midwives in the central region of China while identifying the related influencing factors. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 14 cities in Hubei, China, using convenience sampling from July to October 2023. The Chinese version of the Perinatal Mental Health Knowledge Questionnaire, the Chinese version of the Perinatal Mental Health Attitudes Scale, and the Health Care Facilities Support Needs Scale were used to investigate the PMHDs knowledge, attitudes, and support needs of OB/GYN nurses and midwives, respectively. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27.0. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed, with a p-value of <0.05 considered statistically significant. The average scores for knowledge, attitudes, and support needs were 6.09 ± 1.99 (total score: 13), 47.67 ± 8.80 (total score: 80), and 29.35 ± 4.66 (total score: 35), respectively. After adjusting for years of nursing experience and years of obstetrics and gynecology nursing experience, the multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that having mental health-related education or work experience [adjusted OR (aOR) = 1.43, p = 0.01], being midwives (aOR = 1.78, p < 0.001), and working in specialist maternity hospitals (aOR = 1.55, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with higher knowledge scores; having mental health related education or work experience (aOR = 1.59, p = 0.014) and working in specialist maternity hospitals (aOR = 1.42, p < 0.01) were significantly associated with higher support needs scores. OB/GYN nurses and midwives demonstrated insufficient knowledge and moderate attitudes toward PMHDs screening, and have great support need for PMHDs screening. To address these issues, medical organizations and relevant government sectors should enhance training for nurses and midwives on PMHDs and provide professional support to promote routine maternal mental health screening programs and improve perinatal mental health outcomes.

Community Perspectives on the Environmental, Social, and Economic Impacts of the Tomohon International Flower Festival

Purpose: The purpose of this research is to evaluate the perceptions of the local community regarding the economic, socio-cultural, and environmental impacts of the Tomohon International Flower Festival (TIFF). Specifically, the study aims to understand how the residents of Tomohon view the festival's contributions to their economic well-being, social cohesion, cultural preservation, and environmental sustainability. Research methodology: This research used an exploratory approach to analyse residents' perceptions of the economic, socio-cultural, and environmental impacts of festival activities in Tomohon. Results: The results of the research indicate that the Tomohon International Flower Festival (TIFF) is perceived positively by the local community across several dimensions. Economically, TIFF is seen as a significant contributor to local income, job creation, and regional revenue. Socio-culturally, the festival enhances social interactions, fosters cultural pride, and supports cultural and educational development. However, the community also expressed concerns about environmental sustainability, particularly regarding waste generation and its negative impact on the city’s aesthetics. Limitations: The data gathered reflects the views of the respondents at a specific point in time and may be influenced by personal experiences, biases, or limited knowledge about broader economic, socio-cultural, and environmental factors. Additionally, the sample size, though sufficient for exploratory analysis, may not be fully representative of the entire Tomohon population, potentially limiting the generalizability of the findings. Contribution: This article contributes to the broader understanding of the socio-economic and environmental impacts of large-scale cultural events like the Tomohon International Flower Festival (TIFF) from the perspective of local communities. This research also serves as a guide for event organizers and policymakers in optimizing the benefits of festivals while addressing community concerns, thereby promoting more sustainable and inclusive event planning.

Satisfaction analysis of 5G remote ultrasound robot for diagnostics based on a structural equation model.

With the increasing application of 5G remote ultrasound robots in healthcare, robust methods are in critical demand to assess participant satisfaction and identify its influencing factors. At present, there is limited empirical research on multi-parametric and multidimensional satisfaction evaluation of participants with 5G remote ultrasound robot examination. Previous studies have demonstrated that structural equation modeling (SEM) effectively integrates various statistical techniques to examine the relationships among multiple variables. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the satisfaction of participants with 5G remote ultrasound robot examination and its influencing factors using SEM. Between April and June 2022, 213 participants from Wuhan Automobile Manufacturing Company underwent remote ultrasound examinations using the MGIUS-R3 remote ultrasound robot system. After these examinations, the participants evaluated the performance of the 5G remote ultrasound robot based on their personal experiences and emotional responses. They completed a satisfaction survey using a self-developed questionnaire, which included 19 items across five dimensions: examination efficiency, examination perception, communication perception, value perception, and examination willingness. A SEM was established to assess the satisfaction of participants with the 5G remote ultrasound robot examinations and the influencing factors. A total of 201 valid questionnaires were collected. The overall satisfaction of participants with the 5G remote ultrasound robot examination was 45.43 ± 11.60, with 169 participants (84%) expressing satisfaction. In the path hypothesis relationship test, the dimensions of examination efficiency, examination perception, communication perception, and value perception had positive effects on satisfaction, with standardized path coefficients of 0.168, 0.170, 0.175, and 0.191. Satisfaction had a direct positive effect on examination willingness, with a standardized path coefficient of 0.260. Significant differences were observed across different educational levels in the dimensions of examination perception, communication perception, value perception, and examination willingness. Participants with different body mass indices also showed significant differences in examination perception; all p-values were less than 0.05. In this study, value perception was identified as the most significant factor influencing satisfaction. It could be improved by enhancing participants' understanding of the accuracy and safety of 5G remote ultrasound robot examinations. This enhances satisfaction and the willingness to undergo examinations. Such improvements not only facilitate the widespread adoption of this technology but also promote the development of telemedicine services.

Let’s Be Honest: Adolescents Speak Up on How to Better Protect Young People from Gambling Harm

AbstractThe importance of safeguarding young people from harmful gambling is widely acknowledged, but limited research has sought adolescents’ perspectives on strategies to provide this protection. The current study addresses this gap in understanding. Eighty-nine Australians aged 12–17 years, classed as either at-risk/problem gamblers, non-problem gamblers or non-gamblers, participated in qualitative interview and/or online community conditions. Themes extracted from the data on the things participants believe should be implemented to achieve this aim include open and honest advice from parents; schools-based education that is meaningful, authentic and based on lived experience; truth and transparency in advertising; social marketing that reaches and informs youth; and governments to regulate the gambling and gaming industries into acting ethically and not exploiting young people. At-risk/problem gambler adolescents were able to offer more detailed suggestions on strategies that would protect young people from gambling harm, frequently drawing on their own personal experiences or the stories they heard from others. Multifaceted strategies are required to help adolescents make informed decisions about gambling. Developing and implementing such strategies to protect minors from gambling harm requires a cohesive effort and commitment to addressing this public health issue. Recommendations on how regulators, industry, parents and other stakeholders may contribute to this effort are discussed.

Personal reflections on inclusion

AbstractThe Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) landscape in England is bleak. Since the COVID‐19 pandemic, the number of pupils with SEND has increased. There is a shortage of places available in specialist SEND provision, and many pupils with SEND are being educated in alternative provision settings which arguably do not meet their needs. Mainstream schools are struggling to meet the needs of pupils with increasingly complex needs and there has been a lack of financial investment in specialist support services, resulting in delays to assessments and interventions. Drawing on personal and lived experience, I argue that impairment can be painful and sometimes disabling. I argue that although social model has made a significant difference to the lives of disabled people, its ambition has not been fully realised. Disabled people still experience discrimination within education, housing, employment and in other areas. I argue that impairment is real, painful and disabling and can result in personal struggle. I therefore make the case that people with impairments require additional support as a ‘step up’ to guarantee equality of opportunity. Urgent investment is required in specialist SEND services to ensure that unnecessary struggle is avoided.

Empowering Voices: Fostering Reflective Dialogue and Redefining Research Dynamics in Participatory Approaches With the Autistic Community

Within this brief report, the authors, who are mostly neurodivergent and a majority autistic, outline some of the challenges and historical failings of participatory research with the autistic community. There is an urgent need to explore creative ways to ensure that research engages with autistic people in an active, meaningful, and valuable way (Den Houting et al., 2021; Fletcher-Watson et al., 2019; Garfield &amp; Yudell, 2019). The authors detail the process of using reflective dialogue to explore the participatory research group’s personal experiences of mental health at a university. The participatory group later presented their experiences at a webinar attended by more than 200 strategic and supporting staff from UK universities. The group found reflective dialogue to be useful in addressing many of the failings of participatory research with the autistic community, such as redressing power imbalances and finding it to be personally beneficial and validating. The authors detail how this might be implemented and argue that this approach has valuable applications within autism research and beyond and should be explored further.

Pandemic perspectives from detained youth during COVID-19: Bridging the knowledge gap for future safeguards.

Despite the worsening health disparities among youth in detention during the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been minimal exploration into the pandemic experiences of detained youth and opportunities for pandemic mitigation. This paper analyzes the perspectives of youth in detention on the pandemic, including the effect of the pandemic on their detention experience and their perceptions about COVID-19 vaccination. The study used purposive sampling to recruit 16 participants (aged 14-17 years) from two juvenile detention centers in the urban Midwest. We conducted semi-structured interviews and analyzed verbatim transcripts using a hybrid deductive-inductive approach and thematic analysis. Four themes emerged: 1) personal experience influenced youth perceptions of pandemic severity and risk; 2) distrust and misconceptions contributed to youth vaccine hesitancy or refusal; 3) desired opportunities and parental opinion motivated youth to get the COVID-19 vaccine; and 4) pandemic mitigation strategies negatively impacted youths' detention center experience. Study findings identify opportunities for detention centers to minimize the negative impacts of pandemic mitigation strategies on youth in detention, expand vaccination knowledge and uptake, and build trust to positively impact the health and wellbeing of detained youth currently and during future pandemics.

Narratives of resilience: Understanding Iranian breast cancer survivors through health belief model and stress-coping theory for enhanced interventions

Breast cancer poses a significant global health challenge, with Iran experiencing particularly high incidence and mortality rates. Understanding the adaptation process of Iranian breast cancer survivors’ post-treatment is crucial. This study explores the health perceptions, barriers, and coping mechanisms of Iranian survivors by integrating Stress-Coping Theory (SCT) and the Health Belief Model (HBM). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 survivors, and a grounded theory approach guided the deductive content analysis of the data. The findings reveal key themes, including perceived susceptibility, benefits, barriers to care, cues to action, self-efficacy, and appraisal of action. Perceived susceptibility highlights diagnostic challenges stemming from practitioner errors and symptom misconceptions. Perceived benefits underscore the importance of early detection and support from healthcare providers and families. Barriers include cultural and financial obstacles, while cues to action reflect the influence of media, family, and personal experiences on healthcare-seeking behavior. The study also examines coping strategies, such as problem-focused and emotion-focused approaches, along with family support and external stressors. To address these barriers and enhance support systems, the study suggests specific strategies for healthcare providers, including targeted training to improve diagnostic accuracy and patient communication. Culturally sensitive awareness campaigns can correct symptom misconceptions, while financial counseling can mitigate economic barriers. Establishing community-based support groups and involving family members in care plans can enhance emotional and psychological support. These strategies aim to overcome the identified barriers and improve support systems for Iranian breast cancer survivors, ultimately fostering better recovery outcomes.

Pediatric Myelodysplastic Syndrome.

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDSs) are rare in children and have unique clinical manifestations and implications. To review the clinical features, pathogenesis, and classification of pediatric MDS. Published literature and personal experience. Pediatric MDS vastly differs from adult MDS. Evaluation for the presence of an underlying germline predisposition syndrome is critical for optimal classification and management. Because of the rarity of cases, resources to aid with the recognition, diagnosis, and management of pediatric MDS are limited, and multi-institutional collaborative studies are needed for the future.

Neighbors’ Perceptions of University Engaged “Research”

We investigate community members’ perceptions of their engagement with university researchers’ engaged research conducted in their neighborhoods. Analyzing interviews, first, we find perceptions are not simply developed from singular experiences, personal experiences, or even research experiences. Most interviewees did not, or could not, clearly distinguish engaged research from other university activities. They also regarded the university as a monolith. Second, perceptions were related to broad narratives that endure over time and differed by neighborhood and by racialized group. This implies that university engagement in communities should seek to understand current and historical relationships while setting clear expectations with community members.

Profiles of cardiometabolic risk and acculturation indicators among South Asians in the US: latent class analysis of the MASALA study.

South Asians (SA) represent the fastest growing US immigrant group, and previous studies have indicated that they face disproportionately high burden of cardiometabolic disease. Cardiometabolic disease manifests as a syndemic or synergistic epidemic encompassing multiple disease clusters influenced by biological, social, and psychological factors stemming from the acculturative process. This process may exacerbate morbidity within immigrant subgroups. Our aim was to identify cardiometabolic risk profiles among SA using indicators of acculturation. We conducted a latent class analysis on data from the Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America study (N=771). A composite cardiometabolic disease outcome was constructed using prevalent hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and body mass index. Acculturation indicators included years living in the US, English language proficiency, dietary behaviors, preservation of cultural traditions, social and neighborhood support, maintenance of social relationships (i.e., friendships), and experiences of discrimination, along with proxies of acculturative stress (i.e., depressive symptomology, trait anxiety and anger). Social and environmental determinants of health, health behaviors, religiosity and spirituality served as covariates to further assess latent class membership. Four cardiometabolic risk profiles emerged: (1) lowest risk [73.8% of sample] characterized by high integration into both SA and US cultures; (2) the modest risk [13.4% of sample], exhibiting elevated levels of mental health distress and experiences of discrimination, and distancing themselves from both cultures; and the (3) moderate risk [8.9% of sample] and (4) highest risk [3.9% of sample], demonstrating greater assimilation into US culture. Compared to the lowest risk profile: the modest risk profile was associated with low-income and conflicting attitudes about religion/spirituality, while the moderate risk profile was characterized by lower income and educational attainment with positive behaviors and attitudes toward religion/spirituality. Findings expand our understanding of immigrant cardiometabolic health as a syndemic issue wherein multiple co-occurring and interacting processes synergize to produce negative outcomes in already at-risk subpopulations. Furthermore, acculturation emerges as a crucial factor in understanding health disparities among immigrant and refugee groups in the US.

EMS Clinicians in the West Texas Area Frequently Encounter Firearms During Patient Assessments with Limited Gun Safety Training

Introduction - Firearms are commonly encountered in the prehospital setting, sometimes with devastating consequences. However, the frequency with which EMS workers find and handle firearms when evaluating patients in the field and the firearm safety training they have received remains largely unstudied. Objectives - We sought to answer the following questions: 1) How frequently do EMS personnel in West Texas and Southern New Mexico USA encounter and handle firearms when caring for patients? 2) How many of these clinicians are aware of agency policy or have received agency training in the safe handling of firearms? 3) Do these clinicians support integrating firearm training into the EMS curriculum? Methods - In this observational, cross-sectional study, a survey evaluating weapon and firearm encounters, confidence handling firearms, and formal firearms training was distributed to EMS providers in West Texas and Southern New Mexico between July 1, 2022, and January 1, 2023. Results - Two hundred forty-seven out of a potential 609 EMS clinicians completed the online survey, representing a 41% response rate. Among respondents, 61% reported encountering firearms at least once per year. These firearms were handled by EMS personnel over a quarter of the time. Sixty-eight percent of prehospital providers were unaware of any agency policy regarding handling firearms. Despite broad personal experience with firearms, 90% of respondents received no agency training in gun safety. Eighty-seven percent of providers reported they would attend an agency training course on firearm safety, and 95% indicated that this topic should be added to the EMS curriculum. Conclusion - EMS personnel in West Texas and Southern New Mexico routinely encounter and handle guns despite minimal agency firearm safety training. This initial study may demonstrate a potential need for introducing firearm safety didactics and training into the EMS curriculum, and the need for additional research.

Built Environment Influences on Emotional State Loneliness among Young Adults during Daily Activities: An Experience Sampling Approach

Loneliness among young adults is a growing concern worldwide, posing serious health risks. While the human ecological framework explains how various factors such as socio-demographic, social, and built environment characteristics can affect this feeling, still, relatively little is known about the effect of built environment characteristics on the feelings of loneliness that young people experience in their daily life activities. This research investigates the relationship between built environment characteristics and emotional state loneliness in young adults (aged 18–25) during their daily activities. Leveraging the Experience Sampling Method, we collected data from 43 participants for 393 personal experiences during daily activities across different environmental settings. The findings of a mixed-effects regression model reveal that built environment features significantly impact emotional state loneliness. Notably, activity location accessibility, social company during activities, and walking activities all contribute to reducing loneliness. These findings can inform urban planners and municipalities to implement interventions that support youngsters’ activities and positive experiences to enhance well-being and alleviate feelings of loneliness in young adults. Specific recommendations regarding the built environment are (1) to create spaces that are accessible, (2) create spaces that are especially accessible by foot, and (3) provide housing with shared facilities for young adults rather than apartments/studios.

Оutcome of neglected posterior elbow dislocation with gross ligamentous instability by arthrolysis combined with circumferential reconstruction of MCL, LUCL using triceps tendon fascia

Dislocation of the elbow joint, which has not been treated for more than 3 weeks, is considered outdated. Due to the high risk of complications and the uncertainty of the effectiveness of the treatment of an old dislocation of the elbow joint, it is quite a difficult task for surgeons. There are various described techniques for repairing the lateral ligamentous complex (including the LUCL) and the medial collateral ligament. Objective. To describe the author's unique technique, which consists in using one graft to restore both lateral and medial ligaments. Methods. The personal experience of treating 14 patients with chronic dislocation of the elbow joint with deformation and multidirectional instability is presented. All patients were operated on by one surgeon using the arthrolysis method in combination with MCL, LUCL reconstruction using an ipsilateral autograft of the triceps tendinous fascia. Further observation was carried out at 3, 6 and 12 weeks, as well as at 6 and 9 months. In our case, we evaluated stability, range of motion, and the presence of pain syndrome. The results. Satisfactory results were obtained in terms of pain-free full range of motion and adequate stability of the elbow joint in all cases. All patients performed their active routine exercise with minimal limitation. Conclusions. The advantage of the technique is a unique comprehensive approach that uses one circular graft to restore both the lateral and medial ligament complexes, which ensures stability and possible early rehabilitation. This leads to an excellent functional result — a quick restoration of the full range of motion in the joint and its stability.