Cultural Factors Research Articles

The role of gender in the association between sensory impairments and well-being, depression symptoms, and relationship satisfaction among older adults.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of sensory impairments on well-being, depression symptoms, and relationship satisfaction among older adults, and to examine whether these associations vary by gender. The study analyzed a sample of 640 Danish individuals aged 60 and older. Multilevel modeling was conducted using PROC MIXED in SAS to assess the impact of sensory impairments on well-being, depression symptoms, and relationship satisfaction. A two-step approach was employed to evaluate the main effects and interaction terms of sensory impairments and gender, controlling for covariates such as age, education, and relationship length. Both vision and hearing impairments were significantly associated with lower well-being and higher depression symptoms in men and women. However, a gender difference was observed for the association between vision impairment and relationship satisfaction: greater vision impairment was associated with lower relationship satisfaction among men but not among women. The findings add nuance to the understanding of how sensory impairments may affect older men and women, highlighting both gender similarities and differences. The study also discusses possible interpretations of the findings, suggesting that social and cultural factors may influence how sensory impairments affect mental and relational health outcomes differently for men and women.

Identifying the Key Success Factors for Nascent Moroccan Entrepreneurs: A Qualitative Study

This article examines the factors that explain the entrepreneurial success of nascent entrepreneurs who received support from entrepreneurial support structures before setting up their own businesses. To arrive at the results, an exploratory qualitative study was conducted with 10 entrepreneurs operating in the commerce sector. This research reveals various factors contributing to entrepreneurial success, classified into six categories: psycho-behavioral, cultural, quality-of-life, managerial, financial, and institutional factors. It appears that entrepreneurial success is multifactorial and does not depend on a single factor but on the combination and interaction of multiple individual, organizational, and contextual elements. Each entrepreneur has a unique pathway, influenced by their characteristics and the environment in which they operate, which means that support strategies need to be tailored to the specific needs of each entrepreneur. The implications of this research extend to researchers, practitioners, and stakeholders involved in local and regional development.

Equity in medical devices: a socio-technical approach

Medical devices risk reinforcing societal inequalities unless we rethink how they are designed, developed and deployed. The UK government’s recent independent review on Equity in Medical Devices highlights how biases...

An Overview and a Reflection of the Process and Product of Ph.D. Programs

This paper aims to analyze the Ph.D. thesis process and outcomes through the perspectives of three key actors— upervisee, supervisor, and academic institution—by drawing upon the personal experiences of the authors. Reflections are based on the authors past experience as supervisees and firsthand involvement in supervision, program management, and committee participation, with the key findings highlighting the intricate dynamics of these roles in shaping Ph.D. education. The aspects discussed in this work are motivation, previous experience, the individual study plan, guidance, and contributions. The motivations for pursuing a Ph.D. were diverse, encompassing personal and professional goals, passion for research, career advancement, and societal contributions. Previous experience from all actors is recognized as a critical factor influencing the success of the Ph.D. journey, where considerations regarding academic background, research interests, and cultural factors may influence the time and the outcome. The individual study plan is recognized by the authors as a vital tool for modeling a Ph.D. student’s research and professional development trajectory. Guidance throughout the Ph.D. process is discussed in terms of frequent and consistent supervision, providing regular support and feedback, which gradually shifts towards fostering research independence. This approach emphasizes the importance of mentorship and effective communication among peers at every stage. Finally, contributions are discussed as a final phase of the Ph.D. journey, where students are expected to demonstrate their expertise and impact through publications, awards, patents, and other forms of recognition. Supervisors and institutions also play a crucial role in supporting and showcasing such contributions. This reflection paper shows the relations between these factors and the collective responsibility shared by the actors in producing a successful Ph.D. thesis and an independent researcher. We argue our reflections are a valuable resource for those involved in Ph.D. programs, offering insights into the various dimensions of the Ph.D. journey and highlighting the importance of collaboration and support among these critical actors.

Retrospective evaluation of patients admitted to the intensive care unit due to obstetric reasons in terms of maternal near-miss, a five-year case-control study

BackgroundMaternal Near-Miss (MNM) has become globally recognized as an indicator of pregnancy, birth and the first 42 days of postpartum care services. The World Health Organization has taken a new approach to detail and better analyze maternal deaths. The clinic-based criteria to evaluate maternal care and the quality of related care services have been developed.MethodsThis is a retrospective case-control study that was conducted in a tertiary hospital. In the study, the medical files of all patients admitted to the intensive care unit during the five-year period between 2018 and 2022 were examined. All patients who met the MNM criteria of WHO during pregnancy, birth and puerperium were included in the case group of the study. Meanwhile, the participants in the control group were selected from mothers who gave birth in the same hospital between August 15 and October 31, 2023 and did not develop any complications during puerperium, using the systematic sampling method. Data collection was performed using an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire and data abstraction.ResultsIn this five-year period, 198 mothers were diagnosed with MNM. In our study, the prevalence of MNM was found as 218/100.000. The most common laboratory changes that met the MNM criteria were elevated lactate levels (38.89%), acidosis (24.24%) and acute thrombocytopenia. Patients were most frequently admitted to the intensive care unit due to hemorrhage (23.74%), placental abruption (18.18%), pre-eclampsia (15.66%) and cesarean Sect. (10.10%), respectively. The frequency of co-morbidities (Diabetes mellitus, Hypertension, Asthma, Hypothyroidism, etc.) in patients diagnosed with MNM (n = 48; 26.67%) was found to be 5.5 times that of the control group (n = 25; 6.20%) (p < 0.001).ConclusionsIt can be said that co-morbidities directly affect the course of motherhood. the education level and family income were found higher in the MNM group compared to the control group. In this regard, the results of our study differ from the studies in the literature in terms of the effects of the education level of mothers and the economic status of families. The effects of socioeconomic and cultural factors on MNM may vary.

Supplemental Material for Asian Indian Male International Graduate Students’ Help-Seeking Intentions Toward Formal and Informal Supports: The Role of Cultural and Familial Factors

Supplemental Material for Asian Indian Male International Graduate Students’ Help-Seeking Intentions Toward Formal and Informal Supports: The Role of Cultural and Familial Factors

Envisioning Future Workforce Adaptability: A Multi‐Layered Analysis of Skills Ecosystems in Vietnam's Emerging Economy

ABSTRACTThis study employs an innovative integration of Causal Layered Analysis and Futures Studies methodologies to examine persistent skills mismatch issues in rapidly developing labor markets. Through a multi‐layered analysis of cultural, systemic, and metaphorical factors, combined with the development of future scenarios, we provide a comprehensive understanding of the complex dynamics underlying skills gaps in fast‐growing economies. Our research reveals that traditional perceptions of education, systemic inefficiencies, and evolving economic demands contribute significantly to the misalignment between workforce skills and market needs. The study develops four alternative future scenarios, with the “Adaptive Innovation Ecosystem” emerging as the preferred vision for addressing skills mismatch challenges. This scenario emphasizes lifelong learning, AI‐driven skills forecasting, and deep industry–education collaboration. Our findings contribute to theoretical understanding and practical policy formulation by bridging deep cultural analysis with forward‐looking scenario planning, offering insights for cultivating adaptive workforces in rapidly transforming economies.

Cross-Cultural Sense-Making of Global Health Crises: A Text Mining Study of Public Opinions on Social Media Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic in Developed and Developing Economies.

The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped social dynamics, fostering reliance on social media for information, connection, and collective sense-making. Understanding how citizens navigate a global health crisis in varying cultural and economic contexts is crucial for effective crisis communication. This study examines the evolution of citizen collective sense-making during the COVID-19 pandemic by analyzing social media discourse across Italy, the United Kingdom, and Egypt, representing diverse economic and cultural contexts. A total of 755,215 social media posts from X (formerly Twitter) were collected across 3 time periods: the virus' emergence (February 15 to March 31, 2020), strict lockdown (April 1 to May 30, 2020), and the vaccine rollout (December 1, 2020 to January 15, 2021). In total, 284,512 posts from Italy, 261,978 posts from the United Kingdom, and 209,725 posts from Egypt were analyzed using the latent Dirichlet allocation algorithm to identify key thematic topics and track shifts in discourse across time and regions. The analysis revealed significant regional and temporal differences in collective sense-making during the pandemic. In Italy and the United Kingdom, public discourse prominently addressed pragmatic health care measures and government interventions, reflecting higher institutional trust. By contrast, discussions in Egypt were more focused on religious and political themes, highlighting skepticism toward governmental capacity and reliance on alternative frameworks for understanding the crisis. Over time, all 3 countries displayed a shift in discourse toward vaccine-related topics during the later phase of the pandemic, highlighting its global significance. Misinformation emerged as a recurrent theme across regions, demonstrating the need for proactive measures to ensure accurate information dissemination. These findings emphasize the role of cultural, economic, and institutional factors in shaping public responses during health crises. Crisis communication is influenced by cultural, economic, and institutional contexts, as evidenced by regional variations in citizen engagement. Transparent and culturally adaptive communication strategies are essential to combat misinformation and build public trust. This study highlights the importance of tailoring crisis responses to local contexts to improve compliance and collective resilience.

Exploring the determinants of exclusive breastfeeding among postpartum women in northeastern Morocco: fathers’ knowledge as a moderating factor

Breast milk is the exclusive source of nutrition required for optimal growth and development during the first 6 months of life. It confers many advantages for the health of both mother and child, as well as for the general well-being of society. Several factors, including the father’s level of breastfeeding knowledge, influence the decision to breastfeed. This descriptive cross-sectional study aimed to examine the extent of fathers’ knowledge about breastfeeding and the factors that influence it. A total of 200 men completed a structured questionnaire in the maternity ward of the Ibn Baja hospital in Taza, northeast Morocco. The results of this study indicate that 89% of fathers exhibited limited knowledge of breastfeeding. Moreover, a significant correlation was observed between the fathers’ knowledge of breastfeeding and a range of socio-demographic, cultural, and familial factors and their personal experiences. Implementing targeted interventions to enhance fathers’ knowledge is of utmost importance, considering factors specific to the Moroccan context.

Beyond the classroom: proximity dynamics in the formation of academic bonds among university students

ABSTRACT Social interactions among students have been a subject of interest for researchers aiming to enhance the management of social and academic networks, as well as to support students’ learning process. While the literature acknowledges the overall benefits of these interactions, limited research has focused on understanding the mechanisms behind the formation of academic bonds in higher education. This study addresses this research gap by proposing a comprehensive proximity framework to explore how students build their academic relationships at university, thereby overcoming past limited or unsatisfactory approaches. By conducting an empirical study based on survey data from undergraduate students in Spain and the use of social network analysis techniques and stochastic actor-oriented models, our results reveal a multi-dimensional influence of proximity on the dynamics of students’ academic networks based on social, personal, residential, cultural and academic factors. These findings can inform interventions and strategies aimed at optimising academic support networks among university students, paving the way for further contributions in this research area.

Association between stress and coping strategies in Chinese nursing students: A cross-sectional study

Background and objective: Stress and mental health concerns have increasingly been studied among Chinese nursing students. Understanding stress levels in this population is essential for addressing their psychological well-being. This study aims to examine the stress levels of Chinese nursing students and explore their association with coping strategies.Methods: This cross-sectional study surveyed 180 Chinese nursing students from a medical university in Anhui during the 2022/23 academic year. Data were collected using an online self-report questionnaire assessing demographic details, stress levels (Student Nurse Stress Index), and coping strategies (Brief COPE Inventory). Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and stepwise regression were used for data analysis.Results: A total of 170 nursing students completed the survey, revealing a mean stress level of 52.99. Regression analysis indicated that denial, self-blame, and acceptance significantly predicted stress, with acceptance associated with lower stress and denial and self-blame linked to higher stress.Conclusions: This study highlights the impact of cultural factors on stress responses and emphasizes the potential benefits of promoting acceptance as a coping mechanism among Chinese nursing students.

Exploring Factors Influencing Millennial Generation Investment Decisions in Indonesian Capital Market

Research Aims: This study explores the factors influencing millennial generation investment decisions in the Indonesian capital market through a phenomenological approach, focusing on understanding how digital technology, social media, cultural factors, and financial knowledge shape their investment behavior. Design/methodology/approach: The study employs a qualitative phenomenological research design with 20 millennial investors aged 27-42 years. Data collection involved semi-structured interviews, three focus group discussions, and investment journal reviews. Analysis utilized Colaizzi's seven-step phenomenological method to identify emergent themes and patterns. Research Findings: The study revealed five major themes: (1) sophisticated integration of multiple digital platforms in investment activities, (2) strong influence of social media and online communities mediated by local cultural values, (3) evolution of risk management approaches combining technological tools with cultural considerations, (4) transformation of financial knowledge acquisition through digital platforms, and (5) significant impact of cultural-economic context on investment decisions. Theoretical Contribution/Originality: This research extends existing investment behavior theories by providing a comprehensive framework for understanding millennial investment decisions in emerging markets. It uniquely combines technological, social, and cultural perspectives, demonstrating how traditional investment theories need modification to accurately reflect millennial investment patterns in the Indonesian context. Research limitation and implication: The study's limitations include its focus on urban millennial investors and potential regional bias within Indonesia. However, the findings provide valuable insights for investment platform developers, financial educators, and policymakers in adapting their approaches to better serve millennial investors in emerging markets.

Kajian Fiqh Jinayah Terhadap Hukuman Qishash dalam Kasus Pembunuhan

This study discusses the application of qishash punishment in murder cases according to fiqh jinayah, as well as its impact on the Islamic justice system and society. Qishash, which means proportionate retribution, is a form of punishment regulated in Islamic law for the perpetrator of intentional murder. As a legal concept rooted in the principle of justice, qishash aims to restore social balance and provide a deterrent effect for criminals. However, its application in society is not simple, as there are challenges related to unclear evidence, social and cultural considerations, and criticism of the application of the death penalty in the context of human rights. This study uses a qualitative method with a literature study approach to analyze various relevant fiqh and legal texts regarding qishash, as well as real cases that show its application in countries that apply Islamic law. The results of the study show that although qishash is considered a form of justice in Islamic law, its application is faced with problems such as injustice that can arise due to insufficient evidence, as well as controversies related to the death penalty. In addition, the role of the victim's family in choosing between qishash or diyat also shows that there are differences in views influenced by social, cultural, and economic factors. Considering the principles of justice in Islam and the challenges that arise in legal practice, this study concludes that the application of qishash in murder cases needs to be adapted to the times, including in terms of respecting human rights and upholding transparent and fair justice. This research also emphasizes the importance of developing an Islamic criminal law system that is able to accommodate human values without ignoring the principles of justice contained in fiqh jinayah.

"When People Reach Out that is When They're Desperate": Understanding Informal and Formal Help-Seeking Practices for Gambling among Aboriginal Peoples in the Northern Territory, Australia.

This study provides an in-depth qualitative exploration of Aboriginal peoples' experiences with seeking help for gambling-related issues in the Northern Territory (NT), Australia. Through semi-structured interviews with 29 participants, including regular and occasional gamblers as well as those affected by others' gambling, the research highlights key barriers to seeking formal help. These barriers included the normalisation of gambling within Aboriginal communities, denial of gambling problems, feelings of shame, privacy concerns, and a lack of trust in mainstream services. Additionally, past negative experiences with services, fear of judgment, and logistical challenges, such as long waiting times and transportation difficulties in remote areas, contributed to the low uptake of professional services. Instead, informal support from family and friends was occasionally sought, reflecting the collectivist nature of Aboriginal cultures. Participants also reported employing self-help strategies and offered practical suggestions for minimising gambling harm. This research underscores the complexity of gambling behaviours within Aboriginal communities and the cultural, social, and systemic factors that deter access to formal support services. It calls for the integration of Indigenous knowledge and practices into gambling prevention and intervention programs, which may improve the relevance and effectiveness of these strategies. By addressing both cultural norms and access barriers, such targeted approaches may reduce the need for reactive interventions and better support the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal people affected by gambling in the NT. To improve relevant policies and practices, we also consider these findings to contribute to the broader Indigenous-specific gambling prevention evidence-base contexts nationally and globally.

Social Protection in Developing Countries: Legal, Economic, and Social Trends

This paper investigates the evolution of social protection frameworks in developing countries, distinguishing between contributory and tax-financed systems. Through a comparative analysis of social insurance, social assistance, public works, and community-based employment programs, this study assesses their effectiveness in mitigating poverty, managing risks, and fostering resilience. A unique aspect of this research lies in its integration of economic, historical, and cultural factors, offering a comprehensive evaluation of social protection beyond conventional economic assessments. Key findings reveal the critical balance between efficiency and equity in resource allocation, underscoring the importance of addressing dependency and compliance in policy execution. By presenting a nuanced framework that bridges technical and social dimensions, this paper contributes to the growing discourse on sustainable social policies in the context of developing nations. It provides policymakers with actionable insights for crafting inclusive, long-term social protection strategies that align with both immediate relief and sustainable development goals.

I See the Problem, Why Don’t You? Examining Problem Irrecognition through the Context of COVID-19

ABSTRACT This study advances theorizing on publics and their perceptions by examining factors contributing to low or lack of problem recognition. Using COVID-19 as the research context, findings from 40 in-depth qualitative interviews revealed nuanced perceptions of COVID-19 as a nonproblem, manifested as four clusters: outright denial, normalizing the abnormal, trade-offs among life problems, and prioritization of competing values. Shifts in perceptions of the experienced and expected states, intertwined with cultural factors and the holistic nature of problem situations, shaped individuals’ views. This study enhances understanding of the complex pathways to problem irrecognition and suggests targeted strategies for enhancing problem recognition in polarized issues.

Enhancing Place Attachment Through Developing Public Open Places: A Cross-Cultural Study in Gold Coast, Australia

Urban studies research has increasingly focused on placemaking and place attachment in public open places. While several studies have explored how immigrants interact with these places, this study investigates how cultural differences affect immigrants’ place attachment, providing a deeper understanding of inclusive urban design. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 students from India, Iran, China, and Australia, in Southport, a preferred neighborhood for immigrants on the Gold Coast, Australia. NVivo software was used to analyze the data and extract themes. The findings highlighted that, despite universal factors such as natural environments and social opportunities, cultural factors are crucial in shaping individuals’ experiences.

Investigating Older Adults’ Response to Climate Change

Older adults are both vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and uniquely positioned to contribute to climate action. However, their ability and willingness to engage vary significantly due to health disparities, financial constraints, and cultural factors. To ensure inclusivity, climate policies must reflect these differences and empower older adults to participate effectively. This research focused on 30 London-based older adults aged 60–85 (18 women, 12 men) selected via purposive sampling and stratified by gender and climate awareness. All participants were interested in climate issues and engaged in seven small focus groups facilitated by two researchers. Discussions addressed climate perceptions, low-carbon behaviors, and policy recommendations. The findings reveal that tailored communication, featuring simplified language and visual materials, resonates deeply with older adults, fostering better understanding and emotional connection. Participants highlighted practical low-carbon actions they already undertake, such as energy conservation, food waste reduction, and public transport use. They also proposed innovative strategies for promoting climate awareness, including integrating cultural and emotional elements, encouraging intergenerational learning, and providing economic incentives for green practices. To enhance the engagement of older adults in climate action, governments and corporations should develop inclusive communication strategies, provide financial support for adopting green technologies, and foster intergenerational collaboration to share knowledge and experiences in the communities. This study amplifies the voices of older adults in climate discourse, offering actionable insights for shaping communication strategies and policies. While this study provides valuable insights into older adults’ contributions to climate action, future research could expand the sample size and geographic diversity to enhance the generalizability of findings.

Gender stereotypes and professional experiences of female nurses in Türkiye

IntroductionGender roles and stereotypes play a significant role in shaping the nursing profession, perpetuating systemic inequities that negatively impact professional experiences and healthcare system efficiency. In Türkiye, patriarchal norms and systemic disparities exacerbate these workplace challenges, particularly for female nurses.MethodsThis qualitative study utilized semi-structured interviews with 13 female nurses working in intensive care units to examine the influence of societal expectations, workplace discrimination, and institutional policies on gender inequities in nursing.ResultsThe findings reveal that cultural norms, family influence, and constrained career planning often channel women into nursing, reinforcing perceptions of the profession as an extension of caregiving roles. While participants rejected the notion of nursing as a “women’s profession,” their narratives highlighted the pervasive impact of gendered expectations. Additionally, political favoritism and nepotism were identified as factors exacerbating workplace challenges, reflecting broader systemic issues in Türkiye’s labor market. The normalization of gender norms and their internalization by female nurses further complicate efforts to combat discrimination.DiscussionThe study underscores the necessity for policy interventions to address systemic gender inequities in nursing. Recommendations include implementing mandatory gender equality education within healthcare institutions, stricter enforcement of anti-violence laws, and the establishment of psychological and legal support systems for workplace violence victims. Additional measures, such as childcare support and regulations against marital status-based discrimination, are essential to mitigate inequities. By addressing societal, cultural, and institutional factors, this research provides actionable strategies for healthcare organizations and policymakers to promote equity and improve sector efficiency.

Проблема вербальної агресії в сучасному мовознавчому дискурсі

Complex socio-political processes on the global level, the Russian-Ukrainian war, changes due to the transfer of all types of communication - from politics to interpersonal relations - to social networks caused significant changes in the content and forms of communication. In the scientific literature, these changes have been studied from the viewpoints of psychology, sociology, and jurisprudence, in particular, the nature and forms of verbal aggression, the causes of its occurrence, and methods of prevention. Purpose. The article systematizes the main approaches to the analysis of speech aggression in linguistic discourse, in particular the concepts of communicative linguistics, psycholinguistic and sociolinguistic theories; the specifics of research on verbal aggression in media texts and network discourse are determined. The main method of research was the analysis and synthesis of theoretical material to distinguish approaches to the analysis of verbal aggression, to determine the specifics of research on the manifestations of conflictogenic language strategies in media and network discourses. Results. From the standpoint of communicative linguistics, verbal aggression is a means of manipulation in communicative interaction or control over a communicative situation. In psycholinguistics, the problem of speech aggression is considered through the prism of the relationship between language and mental processes: how speech acts reflect the inner state of a person, their emotions, motivation and cognitive mechanisms. Sociolinguistics interprets the problem of verbal aggression taking into account social and cultural factors that affect the language behavior of individual speakers and social groups. The researchers singled out the dominant language strategies of modern media discourse and the specifics of their impact on the audience. The formation of social networks as an innovative communicative space is accompanied by an increase in manifestations of verbal aggression, which is caused by a decrease in the general level of development of human culture, wartime conditions, informal circumstances of communication (spontaneity, dialogicity, situationality, brevity, expressiveness). Originality. The relevance of the analysis of verbal aggression in the field of linguistics is determined by the number and diversity of research on communicative processes mediated by innovative technologies. Conclusion. A significant part of the research on conflictogenic speech behavior is focused on virtual communication and media texts. It is important to take into account the psychological prerequisites of verbal aggression, in particular interpersonal conflicts, stressful situations, social tension or emotional pressure, which increase the perception of speech acts as aggressive. Conflictogenic communication tactics are the result of emotional states (anger, frustration, envy, fear or a sense of injustice). Verbal negativity can be realized in open (insults, intimidation, threats, bullying) and hidden forms (jokes, mockery, remarks, veiled insults). Mass media are able to shape moods in society or individual communities, using conflict-generating language strategies, therefore, they are platforms for the spread of verbal aggression and a place for its manifestation. In media texts, various means of speech aggression are used depending on the genre, the purpose of the publication and the context. Verbal aggression in network discourse quantitatively and qualitatively prevails over the use of conflict-generating communicative tactics in traditional forms of communication.