General Well-being Research Articles

Prevalence and risk factors of intestinal parasitoses among residents of Ekemkpon and Idim Ita of Cross River State, Nigeria

Background: intestinal parasitic infections are the most common infections in the world, with the most prevalent burden occurring in poverty-stricken areas. Intestinal parasitic infections are endemic in certain parts of Nigeria as a result of poor hygiene practices and pollution, which result in contamination of food and water. In semi-urban and rural communities where the dwellers are generally poor and uneducated and lack basic amenities like potable water supply and good sanitary facilities, intestinal parasitic infections cause major health problems. This study was to evaluate the influence of socio-demographic factors in the transmission of intestinal parasitoses among the residents of Ekemkpon and Idim Ita Communities of Cross River State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: this was a cross-sectional survey between April 2019 and August 2019. Samples were obtained from 359 participants in the study areas and examined for stool analysis using direct microscopy and brine floatation technique. Socio-demographic data of the study subjects were obtained using questionnaires. Results: the prevalence of intestinal parasites was higher in Ekemkpon (41.0%) than in Idim Ita (14.9%). Participants with mixed infections in Ekemkpon were 7.9%, while those in Idim Ita were 2.2%. The study has shown that level of education had an influence on the transmission of intestinal parasites in Ekemkpon (p<0.05). Open defecation played a major role as a source of contamination of domestic water and farm products in the Ekemkpon community. The overall helminthic infections in the two study areas were higher than the protozoan infections observed in this study. The only intestinal protozoa in Ekemkpon was Entamoeba histolytica/dispar while hookworm species were the commonest helminthic parasites in Ekemkpon. Balantidium coli (4.4%) was the most prevalent intestinal protozoan parasites in Idim Ita while hookworm and Ascaris lumbricoides (2.8%) were the most occurring helminthic parasites in Idim Ita. Conclusions: it is recommended that strategies aimed at health education, diagnosing and treating those positive for intestinal parasite infections, and improving the general well-being of the masses be encouraged.

Health benefits of exercise and dietary interventions for patients with psoriasis – a literature review

Introduction: Psoriasis is a prevalent chronic inflammatory systemic disease that can manifest in a variety of clinical manifestations. Psoriasis was thought to only affect the skin. Recent findings from dermatologic, rheumatologic, and cardiologic research indicate that it is a systemic disease, henceforth referred to as psoriatic disease. Purpose of work: Collecting information on the benefits of physical activity and diet modifications in patients with psoriasis on aspects such as metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular risk, mental health, and general well-being. Summary: Psoriasis is a disease that affects many areas of life. Physical activity improves the body weight, mental health, and cardiovascular risk of patients with psoriasis. Engaging in physical activity may reduce the probability of developing psoriasis and may also ameliorate its course. The Mediterranean diet, ketogenic diet, probiotics, and alcohol withdrawal may also alleviate the course of psoriasis. It is noteworthy to mention the potential limitations that may arise in the context of this disease, including embarrassment resulting from skin lesions and joint discomfort resulting from psoriatic arthritis. Sports training ought to be customized for each patient, taking into account their limitations and preferences.

Culinary Comfort: Understanding the Connection between Food and Well-Being.

This study investigated the complex interaction between individuals' culinary tastes, at-home dining habits, and their broader impact on general well-being and relationships dynamics. An all-encompassing tool for assessing the impact of dietary choices on emotions related to coziness, social interaction, and general wellness, the multidimensional Culinary Comfort and Connection Index (CCCI) focuses on traditional home-cooked meals, in particular. We used an online-based survey to validate the CCCI. With a Cronbach alpha of 0.844, this scale is reliable and valid. It covers a wide range of aspects including self-care advocacy, traditional values, and a preference for handmade food. We performed descriptive and stratified analyses and tested correlations. The CCCI shows complicated patterns when analyzed with respect to gender, education level, and family income that demonstrate a myriad of factors impacting people's views on food and its relationship to health. While some patterns emerged, the results imply that dietary choices do not necessarily correlate with overall health. The research highlights the complex interaction between cultural, societal, and personal elements in determining perspectives on nutrition and health by drawing on theoretical models like Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory and the Theory of Planned Behavior. Future research should incorporate broader age ranges, longitudinal designs, different populations, objective measurements, and intervention trials to better understand the dynamic link between dietary preferences and health outcomes.

Mentalizing as a Predictor of Well-Being and Emotion Regulation: Longitudinal Evidence from a Community Sample of Young Adults.

Background: In recent years, mentalizing - the capacity to understand one's own and others' intentional mental states in social contexts - has been considered to be a protective capacity that enables adaptive processing of stress-related emotional arousal, benefits general well-being and underpins adaptive emotion regulation. Objective: Several studies using cross-sectional research designs have demonstrated the potential health-promoting effect of mentalizing in non-clinical samples. However, longitudinal evidence is scarce. The present study aimed to investigate whether mentalizing predicts well-being and emotion regulation strategies in a non-clinical sample of mainly young adults using a prospective longitudinal design. Methods: In a prospective research design, 135 participants completed questionnaires assessing well-being, psychological symptom severity and mentalizing capacity at baseline (T1). Twelve months later (T2), emotion regulation strategies (suppression and cognitive reappraisal), well-being and psychological symptom severity were assessed by self-report. The data were analyzed using multivariate linear regression analysis. Results: Impairments in mentalizing were a significant negative predictor of well-being 12months later. Furthermore, impairments in mentalizing positively predicted suppression of emotional states at T2. No association was found between deficits in mentalizing and cognitive reappraisal of emotional states over the course of 1year. Conclusion: The findings indicate that mentalizing is longitudinally associated with mental health indicators in a non-clinical adult sample. Specifically, ineffective mentalizing was associated with impaired psychological well-being and a tendency to suppress intense emotional states over a period of 1year. Future research should replicate these findings using multiple measurement timepoints to etablish causality.

The effectiveness of social prescribing in the management of long-term conditions in community-based adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effectiveness of social prescribing interventions in the management of long-term conditions in adults. Data sources Eleven electronic databases were searched for randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials. Review Methods Outcomes of interest were quality of life, physical activity, psychological well-being and disease-specific measures. Bias was assessed with the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool. A narrative synthesis and meta-analysis were performed. Results Twelve studies (n = 3566) were included in this review. Social prescribing interventions were heterogeneous and the most common risks of bias were poor blinding and high attrition. Social prescribing interventions designed to target specific long-term conditions i.e., cancer and diabetes demonstrated significant improvements in quality of life (n = 2 studies) and disease-specific psychological outcomes respectively (n = 3 studies). There was some evidence for improvement in physical activity (n = 2 studies) but most changes were within group only (n = 4 studies). Social prescribing interventions did not demonstrate any significant changes in general psychological well-being. Conclusion Social prescribing interventions demonstrated some improvements across a range of outcomes although the quality of evidence remains poor.

Dealing with Trauma and Restoring Well-Being

This study examines several therapy techniques and treatments that are helpful in treating trauma and treatments that are helpful in treating trauma and increasing well-being. By conducting a thorough analysis of the body of the research, it seeks to shed light on the complex process of trauma recovery and identify the critical elements that play a pivotal role in regaining people’s general well-being. The study recommends ways that can help in dealing with traumatic experience that individuals can used as coping mechanism.

Food-Related Quality of Life in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Translation and Validation of Food-Related Quality of Life to the Portuguese Language (FR-QoL-29-Portuguese)

Introduction: Food-related quality of life (FR-QoL) has been shown to be an important patient-reported outcome in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We aimed to translate and validate a Portuguese version of the FR-QoL-29. Methods: This was a case-control cross-sectional study undertaken at a tertiary hospital. After obtaining the original authors’ authorization, both forward and backward translations of the original FR-QoL-29 were performed by bilingual researchers. After an IBD expert’s revision and the input of a small group of patients, a final version was obtained. Portuguese IBD patients were prospectively recruited from the outpatient clinic of a tertiary hospital and completed the questionnaire at two timepoints (0 and 4 weeks). Reliability (internal consistency, test-retest, and intraclass correlation [ICC]), validity (content and convergent validity, and hypothesis testing using Spearman’s correlations), and responsiveness (Student t tests) were analysed. Results: 239 patients (mean age 50.1 [SD = 15.3 years], 56.5% female) and 87 (36.4%) patients answered the questionnaire at the first and second timepoints, respectively; 126 controls answered the questionnaire. Overall, the FR-QoL-29-Portuguese showed excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.97) and good test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.78 [95% CI: 0.64–0.85]). FR-QoL moderately correlated with health-related quality of life, measured by the SIBDQ-PT (R = 0.49; p < 0.05). Lastly, the questionnaire revealed appropriate responsiveness when patients reported an overall improvement in general well-being (mean improvement 25.88 [SD = 32.50]; p < 0.05). Discussion/Conclusions: We present an adaptation and validation of the FR-QoL-29 tool for Portuguese IBD patients. The FR-QoL-29-Portuguese is a reliable and valid tool shown to be responsive to changes in general well-being.

Validation of the Indian (Hindi) version of the life-space assessment scale among community-dwelling older adults: a multicentric cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe Life-Space Assessment (LSA) is an instrument that measures mobility in older adults as they reach different areas, defined as life-spaces extending from home to beyond towns or regions. The purpose of the study was to develop the Hindi version of the LSA (LSA- H) and to investigate the validity and reliability of the Hindi version as well as its cultural adaptation.MethodsA cross-sectional study of two hundred forty-five older adults participated in the study from four different study practice areas. Following forward backwards translation, the LSA-H was developed, and the scores were correlated with those of the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale Hindi (ABC- H), the Physical Health Subscale of the WHO-BREF Questionnaire and the Geriatric Depression Scale: Short Form Hindi (GDS-SFH) to test the criterion and concurrent validity.ResultsThe mean score and standard deviation of the LSA-H questionnaire were 56.53 ± 35.99, those of the Physical Health Subscale of the WHO-BREF instrument were 18.54 ± 7.87, those of the GDS-SFH questionnaire were 6.95 ± 4.21 and those of the ABC- H questionnaire were 54.40 ± 28.96. The Pearson correlation coefficient (r) between the LSA-H score and ABC-H score was 0.707 (p value < 0.0001), that between the LSA-H score and the Physical Health Subscale of the WHO-BREF was 0.766 (p value < 0.0001), and that between the LSA-H score and GDS-SFG score was − 0.674 (p value < 0.0001).ConclusionThis study demonstrated that the Hindi version of the LSA is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing living space among older adults in the Hindi language in an Indian population. Furthermore, the LSA-H was significantly correlated with other health assessment tools in terms of functional mobility, general health status and mental well-being.

Tolerability and first hints for potential efficacy of motor-cognitive training under inspiratory hypoxia in health and neuropsychiatric disorders: A translational viewpoint.

Hypoxia is more and more perceived as pivotal physiological driving force, allowing cells in the brain and elsewhere to acclimate to lowered oxygen (O2), and abridged metabolism. The mediating transcription program is induced by inspiratory hypoxia but also by intensive motor-cognitive tasks, provoking a relative decrease in O2 in relation to the acutely augmented requirement. We termed this fundamental, demand-dependent drop in O2 availability "functional hypoxia." Major players in the hypoxia response are hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) and associated prolyl-hydroxylases. HIFs are transcription factors, stabilized by low O2 accessibility, and control expression of a multitude of genes. Changes in oxygen, however, can also be sensed via other pathways, among them the thiol-oxidase (2-aminoethanethiol) dioxygenase. Considering the far-reaching biological response to hypoxia, hitherto mostly observed in rodents, we initiated a translational project, combining mild to moderate inspiratory with functional hypoxia. We had identified this combination earlier to benefit motor-cognitive attainment in mice. A total of 20 subjects were included: 13 healthy individuals and 7 patients with depression and/or autism spectrum disorder. Here, we show that motor-cognitive training under inspiratory hypoxia (12% O2) for 3.5 h daily over 3 weeks is optimally tolerated. We present first signals of beneficial effects on general well-being, cognitive performance, physical fitness and psychopathology. Erythropoietin in serum increases under hypoxia and flow cytometry analysis of blood reveals several immune cell types to be mildly modulated by hypoxia. To obtain reliable information regarding the "add-on" value of inspiratory on top of functional hypoxia, induced by motor-cognitive training, a single-blind study-with versus without inspiratory hypoxia-is essential and outlined here.

Preliminary Evaluation of a Questionnaire to Measure Program-Level Sense of Belonging Among Student Physical Therapists.

A greater sense of belonging has been found to correspond with better academic performance/motivation, retention, and general mental well-being among college students. As a result, it is important to be able to meaningfully assess student physical therapists' sense of belonging. While there are questionnaires available to assess sense of belonging at the university level, it is also important to be able to assess students' sense of belonging in a narrower context, such as within their program of study. The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate a program-specific tool, referred to as the Program Sense of Belonging (ProSB) questionnaire, that could be used to assess sense of belonging among student physical therapists. As part of this study, we examined the internal structure of the ProSB questionnaire items and assessed internal consistency. One hundred twenty-four student physical therapists from 2 different physical therapist education programs completed the ProSB questionnaire. We conducted an exploratory factor analysis to examine the internal structure of the ProSB questionnaire and examined Cronbach's alpha to assess the internal consistency of the items associated with each retained factor. For the final 10-item version of the ProSB questionnaire, 2 factors were retained, which explained 57.5% of the variance (factor 1 = 30.9%, factor 2 = 26.6%). The 5 items that loaded on factor 1 were related to "social acceptance," while the 5 items that loaded on factor 2 were related to "valued competence." Both subscales exhibited acceptable levels of internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha ≥0.84). The ProSB questionnaire appears to capture different dimensions of student physical therapists' sense of belonging (social acceptance, valued competence) at the program level. Based on our preliminary findings, the ProSB questionnaire appears to be a valid tool for assessing program-level sense of belonging among student physical therapists.

Integrating Mind-Body Techniques in Physiotherapy Rehabilitation: A Review of Literature

Aim- This study aimed to examine the usefulness of various mind-body interventions in physiotherapy rehabilitation. Methods- Through a comprehensive review of the literature on topics such as yoga, mind-body exercise, Tai Chi, pain neuroscience education, and mindfulness-based stress reduction, the researchers identified the potential benefits and drawbacks of incorporating these interventions into clinical practice. Result- These results indicate that combining mind-body therapies with physiotherapy rehabilitation may lead to positive outcomes for patients in terms of their recovery and overall well-being. Conclusion- The integration of mind-body techniques in physiotherapy rehabilitation holds significant promise for improving recovery and fostering general psychological well-being in individuals with musculoskeletal, neurological, and other conditions.

FITNESS TRACKER : LONG TERM HEALTH OUTCOME

Abstract : The Fitness Tracker is the product of information and technology research and development aimed at analyzing health-related problems. On our fitness tracker page, we discuss how wearable technology can be a game changer for promoting physical activity and general well-being. We examine how fitness trackers help users monitor and improve their exercise routines using data from seminal studies on the subject (Jacobsen et al., 2016; Flores Mateo et al., 2015) [1][2]. Market analyses provide the basis for our material, which showcases technology advancements and industry trends (Market Research Future; Deloitte Insights) [3][4] as well as in-depth sensor technology textbooks (Sazonov &amp; Neuman) [5]… We explore the role that incentives play in promoting sustained involvement in physical activity, informed by research such as the randomized controlled trial carried out by Finkelstein et al. (2016). [6]. Evidence-based guidelines supporting regular exercise as the cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle have been produced by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the World Health Organization (WHO) [7][8] (CDC; Int. J. Sports Med.) [9][10]. These recommendations form the cornerstone of our methodology. Additionally, we investigate how wearable fitness technology influences habit modification and long-term health effects by integrating insights from behavioral science and digital health. Through the synthesis of these varied perspectives, our website offers comprehensive information and useful approaches for people looking to maximize their fitness goals and general well-being. Keywords : activity tracker, health metrics, fitness insights ,global fitness market ,innovation in wearables

Being out in high school: Positive implications for well-being in three U.S. cohorts of sexual minority adults.

For lesbian, gay, bisexual, or queer (i.e., sexual minority [SM]) youth, coming out is an important developmental milestone and is typically associated with positive well-being. However, coming out in high school may entail a higher risk of school-based victimization. Due to the greater risk of homophobic bullying, the implications of being out in adolescence and well-being later in adulthood remain unclear. Using data from a national probability survey (Generations Study) of three distinct age cohorts of SM adults (N = 1,474) in the United States, this study (a) examined how being out at school in adolescence affects general well-being in adulthood and (b) SM-specific well-being in adulthood, and (c) examined if these associations differ by cohort. Results from multivariate regression analyses demonstrated that being out in adolescence was not significantly associated with general well-being, but was significantly associated with SM-specific well-being: higher rates of identity centrality and community connectedness, and lower rates of internalized homophobia. There were no cohort differences in the associations between outness in high school, general well-being, and SM well-being. The findings from this national probability sample of SM adults provide novel insight into implications of being out across the life course, including the positive implications of being out at school in adolescence for SM-specific well-being in adulthood. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Procedural elements of the complete examination and screening of the healthy term neonate: a protocol for a scoping review and evidence map

IntroductionAll newborns undergo a Complete Examination and Screening of the Neonate (CESoN) to verify the general health and well-being of the neonate and to screen for signs and symptoms of...

Breaking the Stress Cycle: Unveiling the Impact of Workplace Stress on Women's Well-Being and Quality of Life

Workplace stress has become a pervasive issue affecting women across various professions, often compromising their mental health, well-being, and overall quality of life. This study aimed to examine the relationship between workplace stress, subjective well-being, and quality of life among working women. A correlational research design with purposive sampling technique was used to collect data from working women (N=200) aged 27-35 years old. To measure these constructs, General Subjective Wellbeing Inventory (Dalbert, 1992), World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale (WHOQOL, 1998), and Workplace Stress Scale (American Institute of Stress, 1998) were used. In this study, correlation analysis revealed that workplace stress was significantly negatively correlated with subjective well-being and quality of life. Linear regression analysis revealed that workplace stress negatively predicted subjective well-being and quality of life among working women. Results also revealed that married working women face higher level of workplace stress and lower level of quality of life as compared to unmarried working women. The study concluded that workplace stress significantly reduces subjective well-being and quality of life for working women, especially for those who are married. The results suggest a need for targeted strategies to alleviate stress, particularly among married women, to improve their overall well-being and life satisfaction.

Effects of a brief intervention based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy versus usual care for cardiac rehabilitation patients with coronary heart disease (ACTonHEART): a randomised controlled trial

ObjectivesThe main objective of the study is to investigate the short-term efficacy of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) on the simultaneous modification of biological indicators of risk and psychological well-being...

Measuring Intellectual Capital Performance of Indian Private Sector Banks Using WASPAS

Indian private sector banks are currently showing excellent performance. Their success is largely attributed to strong management practises, customer-centric strategies, technical breakthroughs, and risk management techniques. Indian private sector banks are quickly adopting digital transformation, responding to shifting market circumstances, and providing cutting-edge banking solutions. This has aided in expanding their customer base and raising client contentment. To inspire client confidence, they have also concentrated on enhancing service quality, offering individualised services, and putting in place robust security measures. Policy makers, regulators, and business experts can benefit from studies regarding the performance of Indian private sector banks and a knowledge of the elements that contribute to their growth and success. This makes it possible for them to locate best practises and methods that may be used repeatedly to enhance the general wellbeing and effectiveness of the banking industry. Comparative evaluations with public sector banks are possible by investigating the efficiency of private sector banks. The usefulness of various ownership structures and management philosophies in promoting financial performance, client satisfaction, and general competitiveness is evaluated through this comparison. The Weighted Aggregate Product Assessment (WASPAS) approach is a making decisions methodology which employs the Weighted Sum Model (WSM) as well as the Weighted Product Model (WPM) to rank and evaluate alternatives based on many criteria, each of which is weighted to reflect its relative relevance. An overall rating for each alternative is then determined by evaluating and combining the criteria utilising either additive or multiplicative techniques. This strategy enables decision-makers to consider both the advantages and disadvantages of each criterion among the possibilities. KAL has got first ranking and KMB has got lowest ranking in the Indian private sector banks. In this paper, The Performance of Indian private sector banks KAL has got first ranking and KMB has got lowest ranking.

Multidimensional impact of sport types on the psychological well-being of student athletes: A multivariate investigation

The correlation between sports participation and psychological well-being is well-documented, revealing a complex interplay influenced by competition level and cultural context. This is particularly relevant in Korea, where the university sports culture significantly impacts student life. This study evaluates how competitive versus non-competitive sports affect Korean university students' psychological well-being using a quantitative approach with SmartPLS 4 for multi-group analysis. Findings reveal that competitive sports significantly enhance mental toughness and stress management through structured coping mechanisms and robust social support, improving coping strategy effectiveness by 34 % compared to non-competitive sports. Conversely, participants in non-competitive sports experience greater general well-being with a 40 % higher use of informal support. These insights suggest that university sports programs could benefit from targeted interventions incorporating specific coping strategies and social support frameworks tailored to the competitive context. This research underscores the need for precise stress management techniques and resilience-building exercises in sports curricula to optimize psychological well-being across different sports environments in Korean universities.

Examine the advantages of social dance instruction in elder people for both mental and physical health, as well as its function in fostering general well-being

The global increase in the elderly population poses challenges in physical, mental, and social aspects. This study explores the potential of social dance instruction as an innovative approach to improve the overall well-being of older adults. Drawing on previous research, our investigation focuses on the long-term effects of social dance on mental and physical health, emphasizing social, emotional, and cognitive benefits. Importance of this study lies in contributing to innovative approaches for elderly well-being, offering insights to healthcare professionals, caregivers, and policymakers. The literature review highlights the positive impact of social dance on physical health, cognitive abilities, and social and emotional aspects. However, gaps exist in understanding the interplay between these dimensions. By means of the quantitative research, employing surveys and assessments, reveals statistically significant improvements in physical health, cognitive abilities, social interactions, and emotional well-being among participants engaged in social dance. Despite limitations, the findings support the integration of social dance into health promotion programs for the elderly.

Explorative Characterization of GI Complaints, General Physical and Mental Wellbeing, and Gut Microbiota in Trained Recreative and Competitive Athletes with or without Self-Reported Gastrointestinal Symptoms.

The current state of the literature lacks a clear characterization of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, gut microbiota composition, and general physical and mental wellbeing in well-trained athletes. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize differences in self-reported symptoms, gut microbiota composition, and wellbeing (i.e., sleep quality, mood, and physical (PHQ) and mental wellbeing) between athletes with and without GI symptoms. In addition, we assessed the potential impact of a 3-week multi-ingredient fermented whey supplement in the GI complaints group, without a control group, on the gut microbiota and self-reported GI symptoms and wellbeing. A total of 50 athletes (24.7 ± 4.5 years) with GI issues (GI group at baseline, GI-B) and 21 athletes (25.4 ± 5.3 years) without GI issues (non-GI group, NGI) were included. At baseline, there was a significant difference in the total gastrointestinal symptom rating scale (GSRS) score (24.1 ± 8.48 vs. 30.3 ± 8.82, p = 0.008) and a trend difference in PHQ (33.9 ± 10.7 vs. 30.3 ± 8.82, p = 0.081), but no differences (p > 0.05) were seen for other outcomes, including gut microbiota metrics, between groups. After 3-week supplementation, the GI group (GI-S) showed increased Bifidobacterium relative abundance (p < 0.05), reported a lower number of severe GI complaints (from 72% to 54%, p < 0.001), and PHQ declined (p = 0.010). In conclusion, well-trained athletes with GI complaints reported more severe GI symptoms than an athletic reference group, without showing clear differences in wellbeing or microbiota composition. Future controlled research should further investigate the impact of such multi-ingredient supplements on GI complaints and the associated changes in gut health-related markers.