General Health Beliefs Research Articles

A survey on the relationship between mental health literacy and beliefs toward mental illness among nurses in general hospitals in Turkey

AimThe study aimed to determine the relationship between general nurses' mental health literacy and beliefs toward mental illness. MethodThe study involved 285 nurses aged 23 to 47 from three hospitals in western Turkey, who completed the Mental Health Literacy Scale (MHLS) and the Beliefs Toward Mental Illness Scale (BMIS) between December 2023 and March 2024. ResultsThose who received training on mental illnesses as students (t = 2.115, p = 0.018), those who had moderate knowledge about mental illnesses (F = 8.177, p < 0.001), those who were willing to receive training on mental illnesses (t = 1.673, p = 0.048), those who encounter individuals with mental illness in their work units (F = 11.233, p < 0.001) and those who care for individuals with mental illness in their work units (t = 1.808, p = 0.036) have higher mental health literacy levels. There was a negative relationship between nurses' negative beliefs toward mental illness levels and their mental health literacymental health literacy levels (r = −0.432, p < 0.001). ConclusionMental health literacy is a crucial element in reducing general nurses' negative beliefs about mental illnesses. Thıus, psychiatric mental health nurses can actively prevent negative beliefs and increase awareness by providing mental health education to general nurses. Awareness programs should be accorded greater emphasize on individuals who are not trained in mental disorders when they are students, those who have low knowledge about mental disorders, those who are reluctant to receive training on mental disorders, and cohorts of nurses who are likely to encounter patients with mental disorders in their respective work units.

Analyzing Factors Enabling Prostate Cancer Screening Behaviors Among African American Males in the South Region Using the Andersen's Behavioral Model of Healthcare Services Utilization.

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among men in the United States, and African American men especially represent a high risk population for prostate cancer. Although the overall prostate cancer incidence rates have been declining since 1992, the average annual prostate cancer incidence rates among African American men were still higher than any other racial groups, and the mortality rates were 2.1 times higher than that of Caucasian men. This study examined what factors including cultural mistrust were related with the prostate cancer screening behaviors among African American males in the South East region. Out of 496 prostate educational seminar attendees, 304 volunteers completed the survey about the behaviors of prostate cancer, cultural mistrust for health providers and general health beliefs and health behaviors. Using Anderson's Behavioral Model of Health Services Use, hierarchical multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify which predisposing, enabling, and need factors could predict prostate cancer screening behaviors and whether there was any interaction effects among these predictors. Findings revealed that annual household income and annual health check-up were significantly related with the prostate cancer screening behaviors while the effect of health insurance was diminished among older African American males. Overall, results highlight the importance of financial resources as a determinant of prostate cancer screening behaviors among African American males implying the need of substantial support to overcome the obstacles from financial adversity.

Factors Affecting Compliance of Infection Control of Coronavirus Disease 2019 among Nurses Based on Health Belief Model

Background: The purpose of this study was to identify the influence of nurses’ knowledge and health beliefs on infection control performance with regard to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).Methods: The subjects of the research were 256 nurses working at three different university hospitals, and the survey was progressed from February 9, 2021 to March 18, 2021. The survey measured the subject’s general characteristics, knowledge, and health beliefs about COVID-19, and the infection control performance of the COVID-19.Results: The knowledge, perceived severity, and perceived benefit showed a significant correlation with the infection control performance. The three factors affecting the infection control performance were the nursing experience of patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients, knowledge of COVID-19, and perceived benefit.Conclusions: In order to improve the infection control performance of COVID-19, it is essential to establish infection control strategies enhancing experience, knowledge, and perceived benefit in terms of COVID-19.

Medical adherence in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus in Germany: predictors and reasons for non-adherence - a cross-sectional analysis of the LuLa-cohort.

Objective Adherence to medication has a major impact on treatment control and success especially in chronic diseases but often remains unrecognized. Besides clinical, socioeconomic, disease-related and treatment-related parameters, general and personal health beliefs, as well as perception of health, can affect adherence. Our aim was to investigate the adherence to lupus-specific medications in German lupus patients and to assess influencing factors including detrimental or beneficial effects of health perceptions and beliefs. Methods The Lupus Erythematosus (LE) Long-Term Study (LuLa-study) is a nationwide longitudinal study among German Caucasian patients with systemic lupus erythematosus who have been assessed annually using a self-reported questionnaire since 2001. In 2013, we included questions concerning medical adherence (Morisky Medication Adherence Scale; MMAS-4), beliefs about medication prescribed (BMQ), illness perception and about the patients' health locus of control (HLC). We present a cross-sectional analysis to assess predictors of adherence using a multivariable stepwise logistic regression. Results Five hundred and seventy-nine patients participated, 81 of whom did not take any lupus-specific medication and 40 of whom did not complete the MMAS-4 and were therefore omitted. Only 62.7% reported high adherence. Unintentional behaviour for low medical adherence exceeded the intentional behaviour by far. The use of azathioprine (OR: 1.85; 95% CI: 1.02-3.34), prednisone <7.5 mg (OR: 1.56; 95% CI: 0.97-2.49), a higher age (OR: 1.06; 95% CI: 1.03-1.08) and higher external HLC (OR: 1.15; 95% CI: 1.01-1.30) proved conducive for high adherence in our multivariable model. On the contrary, the general perception of medication being harmful or addictive (OR: 0.89; 95% CI: 0.82-0.97) was detrimental. Conclusion A low belief that one's own health is determined by healthcare providers (external HLC) and the belief of the harmfulness of medication were independent predictors of low adherence besides age and the choice of the medical agent. The recognition of these potential obstacles in physician-patient relationships is essential to ameliorate adherence. Provision of sufficient information and education might help to reach the best possible outcome.

Physical injury, health, and well-being: Role of stress perception

ObjectivePhysical injuries are common occurrences that can have substantial implications for mental health and well-being. Ample studies indicated that increased levels of perceived stress is associated with increased prevalence of general health problems, as well as reduced health-related quality of life. Thus, the goal of the present study was to examine the long-lasting association between bodily injuries and general health. In addition, the role of stress perception in moderating the association between injury and general health was assessed. MethodsTwo-hundred and forty victims of past injury and 251 non-injured participants completed a self-report health inventory questionnaire assessing illness prevalence during the six-month period prior to the study. In addition, they completed the short-form Medical Outcomes Survey (MOS SF-36) questionnaire and the Perceived Stress Scale. ResultsVictims of past injuries reported higher incidences of illness, mainly upper respiratory infections and fever, compared to non-injured participants. In addition, injured participants reported poorer perceived health status, including reduced general health, physical functioning, and health beliefs. Perceived stress levels were similar in injured and non-injured participants, however, correlations between perceived stress and self-reported medical outcomes were stronger in injured participants compared to non-injured controls. ConclusionsPast physical injuries are associated with increased incidence of general health concerns and poorer health-related well-being. Moreover, injured individuals do not report increased stress perception; however, when stressed, injured individuals are more affected and health-related quality of life is reduced. Promoting well-being in individuals who have suffered a significant injury is, thus, a clinical necessity and a pressing social priority. This study highlights the role of stress perception in the association between physical injury and health, and may assist in providing better multi-disciplinary care for the injured.

Variation in health beliefs across different types of cervical screening non-participants

Understanding factors associated with different types of cancer screening non-participation will help with the development of more targeted approaches for improving informed uptake. This study explored patterns of general health beliefs and behaviour, and cancer-specific beliefs across different types of cervical screening non-participants using the Precaution Adoption Process Model (PAPM). A population-representative sample of women in Britain completed a home-based survey in 2016. Women classified as non-participants (n = 839) completed additional questions about health beliefs.Some general health beliefs and behaviours, as well as cancer-specific beliefs, were associated with particular types of non-participation. For example, those who scored higher on fatalism were more likely to be unaware of screening (OR = 1.74, 95%CI: 1.45–2.08) or unengaged with screening (OR = 1.57, CI: 1.11–2.21). Women with greater deliberative risk perceptions were less likely to be unengaged with screening (OR = 0.74 CI: 02.55–0.99) and less likely to have decided against screening (OR = 0.71, CI: 0.59–0.86). Women who had seen a general practitioner in the last 12 months were less likely to be unaware (OR = 0.49, CI: 0.35–0.69), and those reporting cancer information avoidance were more likely to be unengaged with screening (OR = 2.25, CI: 1.15–4.39). Not wanting to know whether one has cancer was the only factor associated with all types of non-participation.Interventions to raise awareness of screening should include messages that address fatalistic and negative beliefs about cancer. Interventions for women who have decided not to be screened could usefully include messages to ensure the risk of cervical cancer and the relevance and benefits of screening are well communicated.

Cultural Influences of Diet and Physical Activity by Mexican-Americans with Type 2 Diabetes

The objective of this study was to identify and characterize patient perceived cultural influences on diet and physical activity (PA) behaviors relevant to type 2 diabetes (T2DM) self-management education for Mexican-American adults. A qualitative synthesis was conducted to identify research studies that met the following criteria: >50% of participants included self-identified Mexican-Americans, and findings were related to culturally relevant T2DM self-management diet and/or PA behaviors. Two coders used a content analysis protocol to identify and define cultural elements in the findings of the 19 applicable studies, all guided by the Health Belief Model and Resnicow’s theory of cultural sensitivity in public health. Coders identified and characterized 38 cultural elements. Using Cohen’s Kappa coefficient, interrater reliability for cultural elements between the coders ranged from 0.67-1. Cultural elements were categorized as surface or deep level dimensions. The most common surface level elements were food habits (n=15/19), food preferences (n=14/19), use or acquisition of nutrition knowledge (11/19) and healthcare provider preferences (11/19). The top three deep level elements were general health beliefs or attitudes (n=19/19), general beliefs or attitudes about foods (n=17/19) and family turmoil (n=14/19). PA related elements were rare. Findings highlight patient/client-identified cultural elements relevant to nutrition and PA behaviors for efforts targeting Mexican-Americans with T2DM. These findings have implications for developing and adapting culturally sensitive T2DM self-management education relative to nutrition and PA behaviors.

Immigrant women’s food choices in pregnancy: perspectives from women of Chinese origin in Canada

ABSTRACTObjective: Following migration, pregnant immigrant women may encounter social, cultural, and economic challenges that negatively affect their food choices and subsequent health outcomes. Culturally appropriate health care is crucial during the perinatal period to ensure the health of immigrant mothers and their children. This project aims to explore and understand how the health beliefs and practices of Chinese immigrant women affect their food choices during the perinatal period.Design: This qualitative study used the methodology of focused ethnography. Women participated in one semi-structured interview, followed by a second photo-assisted, semi-structured interview which incorporated photographs taken by the women themselves.Results: The food choices and health behaviors of immigrant women were influenced by their general health beliefs, cultural knowledge concerning particular types of foods, traditional Chinese medical beliefs, social advice and information, and socio-economic factors.Conclusion: The provision of culturally appropriate health care is crucial during the perinatal period, as it is not only a vulnerable life stage for women and their children but also a sensitive period of interaction with the Canadian health-care system. Understanding these intersecting factors can help to ensure culturally appropriate care and optimized health outcomes for Chinese immigrant women during the perinatal period.

Effective communication approaches in tuberculosis control: Health workers’ perceptions and experiences

BackgroundHealth workers’ experiences and understanding of the myths, misconceptions, beliefs about TB, and patients in the community (and effective communication methods) can be useful in designing effective IEC materials and strategies. ObjectiveTo study the perceptions and experiences of health workers regarding TB disease, patients, and effective communication strategies in TB control. MethodsA survey was conducted among health workers involved in Directly Observed Treatment Short (DOTS) course. Data regarding general health beliefs, prevalent myths and misconceptions about TB in their respective localities, knowledge level among patients, and utilization of various communication strategies were collected. ResultsThere is a significant increase in knowledge about TB during DOTS among patients, as observed by about half of the health workers. TB patients are aware about how TB spreads to others and their responsibilities. Regular interaction with patients is required for treatment adherence. Two thirds of the health workers believe that media-mix strategy can be very effective in creating awareness among the patients as well as the public. Health workers realized that the video player facility on their mobile phones is useful for showing health-related videos. ConclusionA combination of mass media and interpersonal communication could be effective for TB control. Face-to-face communication with community members, patient-provider discussions, and information through television could be very effective techniques. Exclusive communication materials should be designed for family members of the patients. Smart phones can be used for effective implementation of TB control programs.

Factors associated with vaccination status among Korean submariners who are eligible for free non-mandatory influenza vaccination

IntroductionSubmarine crews live in a confined setting and are vulnerable to influenza. Thus, it would be useful to identify factors that are associated with influenza vaccination. In this study, we investigated the influenza vaccination rate and the influence of health beliefs on the vaccination rate among submariners who were eligible for a free but non-mandatory vaccination program. MethodsA total of 487 Korean submariners participated in this study after the closing of a free influenza vaccination program in 2015. Data regarding the participants’ general characteristics and health beliefs (based on the health belief model [HBM]) were collected using a self-administered questionnaire, and their vaccination status was determined using their medical records. Multiple logistic regression analysis were performed to evaluate the associations of the HBM components with influenza vaccination. ResultsThe overall vaccination rate was 78% (921/1183). The unvaccinated and vaccinated respondents exhibited similar characteristics, although the vaccinated group was significantly more likely to have high-risk family members (chronic disease, age of <2years, or age of ⩾65years; p=0.025). Among the HBM components, perceived severity (odds ratio: 1.38, p=0.019) and cue to action (odds ratio: 1.74, p=0.002) were significantly associated with a higher likelihood of influenza vaccination. ConclusionVaccination policies that emphasize the severity of influenza and prompt individuals to undergo vaccination are needed to increase the vaccination rate among people who live in confined environments or institutions with non-mandatory vaccination programs.

Exploring the Relationship Between Athletic Identity and Beliefs About Rehabilitation Overadherence in College Athletes.

Athletic identity has been associated with rehabilitation overadherence in college athletes. To explore which constructs of athletic identity predict rehabilitation overadherence, gauge athletes' views of the most salient aspect of their athletic participation, and understand their perceptions of the reasons they adhere to their rehabilitation program. Cross-sectional, mixed methods. University athletic training clinics and online. Currently injured college athletes (N = 80; 51 male, 29 female). Athletic Identity Measurement Scale (AIMS), Rehabilitation Overadherence Questionnaire (ROAQ), and 2 open-ended questions about athletic participation and rehabilitation adherence. Higher levels of athletic identity were associated with higher levels of rehabilitation overadherence (r = .29, P = .009). Hierarchical multiple regression used on AIMS subscales to predict ROAQ subscales did not reveal a significant model for the subscale "ignore practitioner recommendations." However, a significant model was revealed for the subscale "attempt an expedited rehabilitation," F5,73 = 2.56, P = .04, R2 = .15. Negative affectivity was the only significant contribution to the equation (β = 0.33, t = 2.64, P = .01). Content analysis revealed that bodily benefits, sport participation, personal achievement, social relationships, and athlete status were perceived to be the most important aspects of being an athlete. The themes of returning to competition, general health, and relationship beliefs were identified as the major factors for adhering to a rehabilitation program. Negative affectivity accounted for a significant but low amount of variance for rehabilitation overadherence, suggesting that athletic trainers should pay attention to personal variables such as athletic identity that might influence the rehabilitation process. Using the knowledge of why athletes adhere to their rehabilitation and what is most important to them about being an athlete, athletic trainers can use appropriate interventions to facilitate proper rehabilitation adherence.

Understanding South Asian Immigrant Women’s Food Choices in the Perinatal Period

Background: Food practices throughout the perinatal period have a profound influence on the health and wellbeing of a mother and her child. Following migration, pregnant immigrant women bring with them culturally-situated beliefs about appropriate eating behaviours, while simultaneously encountering new socio-cultural environments that can negatively affect their food choices. Research is needed to inform and improve the provision of culturally appropriate maternal health and nutritional care. Methods: We employed a focused ethnography, photo-voice methods, and photo-assisted interviews to explore and understand South Asian immigrant women’s food choices and practices during the perinatal period and to investigate the intersectionality of these factors in a social context of cultural adaptation and adjustment. Findings: The key themes constructed from the data included (a) general health beliefs, (b) antenatal and postnatal food choices including Ayurvedic medical beliefs, (c) social advice and socio-economic factors.

Hispanic Male's Perspectives of Health Behaviors Related to Weight Management.

Hispanic males have the highest prevalence of overweight and obesity among men in the United States; yet are significantly underrepresented in weight loss research. The purpose of the current study was to examine Hispanic male's perspectives of health behaviors related to weight management to refine the methodologies to deliver a gender-sensitive and culturally sensitive weight loss intervention. From October 2014 to April 2015, semistructured interviews were conducted with 14 overweight Hispanic men of ages 18 to 64 years. The interviews lasted approximately 60 minutes. Participants also completed a brief questionnaire and body weight/height were measured. Grounded in a deductive process, a preliminary codebook was developed based on the topics included in the interview guides. A thematic analysis facilitated the identification of inductive themes and the finalization of the codebook used for transcript analysis. Four overarching themes were identified: (a) general health beliefs of how diet and physical activity behaviors affect health outcomes, (b) barriers to healthy eating and physical activity, (c) motivators for change, and (d) viable recruitment and intervention approaches. Future research should examine feasible and appropriate recruitment and intervention strategies identified by Hispanic males to improve weight management in this vulnerable group.

Health beliefs and their sources in Korean and Japanese nurses: A Q-methodology pilot study

Many health beliefs do not have supporting scientific evidence, and are influenced by culture, gender, religion, social circumstance and popular media. Nurses may also hold non-evidenced-based beliefs that affect their own health behaviours and their practices. Using Q-methodology, pilot Q-cards representing a concourse of health beliefs for Japanese and South Korean nurses and explain the content and sources of health beliefs. Qualitative. Two university campuses, one each in Japan and Korea. A convenience sample of 30 was obtained, 14 clinical nurses and 16 academic nurses. Literature reviews and expert informants were used to develop two sets of 65 Q-cards which listed culturally appropriate health beliefs in both Japan and Korea. These beliefs were examined in four structured groups and five individual interviews in Japan, and five groups and two individual interviews in Korea. Our unique study revealed six categories regarding sources of health beliefs that provide rich insights about how participants accessed, processed and transmitted health information. They were more certain about knowledge from their specialty area such as that from medical or nursing resources, but derived and distributed many general health beliefs from personal experience, family and mass media. They did not always pass on accurate information to students or those in their care, and often beliefs were not based on scientific evidence. Findings highlight the dangers of clinical and academic nurses relying on health belief advice of others and passing this on to patients, students or others, without mindfully examining the basis of their beliefs through scientific evidence.

Maladaptive health beliefs, illness-related self-regulation and the role of the information provided by physicians.

This prospective study in 119 patients with cardiovascular diseases aimed to examine whether (a) illness representations mediate the relation of general maladaptive health beliefs to patients' coping behaviours and (b) these relations are moderated by the patients' perception of the amount of information provided by their physicians. Personal control and illness coherence mediated the relation of maladaptive health beliefs to coping behaviour. The amount of the provided information buffered the negative relation of maladaptive health beliefs to illness representations and coping. Thus, the detrimental effect of general maladaptive health beliefs may be counterbalanced by the amount of information provided by physicians.

Pre-Screening Age African-American Males: What Do They Know About Prostate Cancer Screening, Knowledge, and Risk Perceptions?

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men and the second most common cause of cancer mortality among men in America. African-American men have a mortality rate from prostate cancer twice that of Caucasian men. Although prostate screening remains controversial, it provides an opportunity for the cancer to be detected early when treatment is most effective. Limited research has been conducted regarding prostate cancer awareness and knowledge among African-American men under 50. This article highlights a pilot study assessing the knowledge, attitudes, risk perceptions, and reasons for participating in prostate cancer screening among African-American males between the ages of 30–45. Study findings suggest these participants recognized an awareness of risk factors associated with the disease, yet underestimated their risk of developing the disease. Additionally they present uneven knowledge of the prostate and its function and possess positive perceptions of their general health beliefs and practices. Practice implications and directions for future research regarding prostate cancer among this population are highlighted.

Studying the Relationship between Illogical Beliefs and General Health among Personals of Imam Sajjad Hospital in Ramsar Township

General health of individuals varies according to different characteristic factors, including their beliefs. The present stud y was done with the objective of the relationship between illogical beliefs and general health among personnel of Imam Sajjad hospital in Ramsar Township. 100 nurses (80 female and 20 male) were chosen by the method of available sampling. In this study questionnaire of general health of Goldeberg (consists of 28 questions) and questionnaire of illogical beliefs (IBT) have been used. For analyzing the data, t test of dependent groups, correlation test and regression were used. There is not a meaningfu l relationship between general health and illogical beliefs. There is not a meaningful difference between the general health and illogical beliefs of men and women. Using specific grants by nurses and social support causes to improve the general health.

The Knowledge, Beliefs and Practises of University Students on Testicular Cancer and Testicular Self-Examination

AIM:This cross sectional research was planned to determine the knowledge, belief and practice of university students on testicular cancer(TC) and testicular self-examination(TSE) and to obtain a database on this subject. METHODS:The universe of research was composed of 381 male-students who studied at 4th class of primary teaching in OMU Faculty of Education. The selection of sampling wasn’t done and aimed to achieve all the universe; it was performed with 304 students because of the fact that the students who rejected to participate, couldn’t be contacted and did some mistakes while filling the data collection forms included out of the research. Data was collected by a questionnaire which was developed by the researcher in the direction of literature and it also included socio-demographical characteristics related to TC and TSE, general knowledge and health beliefs towards TC and TSE of the students. SPSS 16.0 package program was used in the statistical analyses of data. In the analyses; percentage, mean and chi-square tests were performed. RESULTS:The students participating in research were at the ages of 20-40 and the mean age was 23.16±1.94. Of the students. 87.2% were in the 20-24 age group and 98.7% were single. Oof the students, 42.4% stated that they had never heard diagnosis of testicular cancer and 93,8% also implied that they had never heard TSE before. Of the students 3.3% referred that they had known how to apply TSE and 47.4% stated that they were aware of the importance of early diagnosis. Of the students 84.2% didn’t know that the most frequent age group of testicular cancer, 82.9% didn’t know high risk group, 63.8% weren’t aware of TSE, 81.2% didn’t have any idea about when and how to apply TSE, 38.8% thought that TSE would decrease the mortality rate from TC, and 40.5% supposed that if they found a mass in early phase the treatment of TC wouldn’t be so bad. CONCLUSION:As a result it was determined that most of university students didn’t have knowledge on TC and TSE. In the light of research, it would be proposed that health trainings could be planned and organized with the aim of improving the knowledge levels of university students on TC and TSE

Tobacco Use Among Southwestern Alaska Native People

We examined the characteristics, attitudes, beliefs, and exposure to tobacco products in a cohort of rural dwelling Alaska Native (AN) people. We conducted a study of 400 of AN adult tobacco users and nonusers living in Southwestern Alaska. Questionnaires covered variables such as demographics, tobacco-use history, current tobacco use and dependence scales, general health status, attitudes and beliefs about tobacco, and quitting history. The study population smoked 7.8 cigarettes per day compared with 16.8 on average for the U.S. population: a significant proportion of the population engaged in dual use of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products. Over one third (40.9%), first tried tobacco at age 11 or younger. The mean measures of tobacco addiction (e.g., Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence, Severson Scale of Smokeless Tobacco Dependence) scores were lower compared with other U.S. populations. Very high tobacco-use prevalence, dual product use, and early tobacco use are observed in Southwestern AN people. Unexpectedly these did not appear to be correlated with heavier individual tobacco use or higher levels of addiction in this population.

Perceptions of Personal Risk About Smoking and Health Among Bosnian Refugees Living in The United States

More than 60% of Bosnian refugees in the United States may be current smokers. Examining health beliefs can provide insight into smoking behaviors in this community. Four hundred ninety-nine Bosnians were interviewed about health beliefs and personal health risks related to smoking. ANOVA was used to compare current, former, and never smokers. General health beliefs were significantly different by smoking status with medium effect sizes (P < .001; η(2) = 0.04-0.06); current smokers were less likely to agree that smokers live shorter lives and that smokers are more likely to get heart disease. Significant differences with large effect sizes (P < .001; η(2) = 0.11-0.29) were found in perception of personal risk of lung cancer and heart disease among current, former, and never smokers. Current smokers perceived their own health risks as less severe than those of other smokers. High smoking rates and smokers' optimism related to health indicate that culturally tailored educational and cessation interventions are needed for Bosnian refugee communities.