Health Well-being Research Articles

The acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines in Rwanda: a cross-sectional study

The first reported case of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Rwanda occurred on March 14 2020. By the end of July 2024, a total of 133,518 individuals had tested positive for the infection, resulting in 1,468 deaths and 132,039 had fully recovered. The success of COVID-19 elimination in Rwanda hinges on the public’s level of acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccination. Although COVID-19 is no longer a pandemic anymore, the World Health Organisation recommends countries vaccinate their populations to protect them from COVID-19 and its variants. Globally, COVID-19 has affected 704,753,890 people, caused 7,010,681 deaths and 675,619,811 have recovered. This study aimed to assess the acceptability of COVID-19 vaccines among adults aged 18 years and above in Rwanda. A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2022 to determine the associations between COVID-19 vaccine acceptance (VA) with respondents’ characteristics, using logistic regression analysis. This study enrolled 2,126 respondents with a mean age of 31 years, the majority of whom were females (82.2%), 51.4% had completed primary education, and 78.7% were married. Most respondents recognized the importance of COVID-19 vaccination for both personal health and community well-being. The study found a high rate of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance, with 91.6% of respondents expressing VA and an overall VA rate of 98.2%. Having a relationship with the child(ren) was the only characteristic associated with COVID-19 vaccine acceptance (p; 3.2 × 10− 3, OR; 2.9, 95% C.I; 1.4–5.9). In conclusion, the study found a high rate of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among adults in Rwanda, with COVID-19 associated with having a relationship with the child(ren). The study recommends the need for mass educational campaigns and awareness-raising efforts to understand of COVID-19 vaccines.

Compassionate engagement of communities in support of palliative and end-of-life care: challenges in post-pandemic era.

Over the years, humanity has faced various global crises of different kinds that have caused great suffering in the community, such as wars, slavery, torture or the Holocaust, but also climate change, economic crises, or sanitary disasters. The recent pandemic posed a barrier to palliative and End-of-Life (EoL) care, as the need for physical distance made it difficult to retain essential human interactions while minimizing the risk of viral transmission. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the robustness of supportive networks (i.e., family, friends, neighbors, and community members) determined whether someone experienced a calm death at home or an unnecessary hospital admission, labeled as an 'emergency'. In this vein, active establishment and strengthening of such networks are the foundation of compassionate community efforts. Firstly, providing both physical and emotional support to the entire network of caregivers enhances their ability to care for others and improves the overall experience of death, including the process of dying and the ensuing bereavement period. Furthermore, individuals can enhance their own physical and mental health by practicing compassion. The ability of networks to withstand and recover from physical and emotional challenges, while maintaining strong and supportive relationships among its members, depends on the health and overall well-being of those members. Therefore, we argue that active community participation and death education can strengthen a community's capacity to assist people facing death, dying, and bereavement.

Sexuality in Older Adults: Comprehensive Strategies for Clinicians and Patient-Centered Care.

Healthcare providers play a crucial role in promoting sexual health among older adults, an important yet often neglected aspect of aging well. Although sexuality evolves beyond the reproductive years, it remains a meaningful part of life for many. Despite the natural decline in sexual activity with age, numerous older adults continue to value and engage in fulfilling sexual relationships. Unfortunately, targeted interventions to support later-life sexuality are lacking, creating gaps in care. Sexuality in older adults is influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors. Clinicians should include comprehensive sexual health assessments, including STI screenings, as part of routine care. Providing age-appropriate sexual education and resources helps promote lifelong sexual wellness. Open communication between healthcare providers and patients is vital for addressing sexual concerns, often left unspoken due to stigma or discomfort. Additionally, adopting lifestyle medicine principles-such as balanced nutrition, regular exercise, stress management, and social connection-can enhance sexual health and overall well-being. Specialized training for healthcare professionals on the unique aspects of older adult sexuality is essential to bridge knowledge gaps. A holistic, evidence-based approach will empower providers to better support the evolving sexual health needs of older adults, improving their quality of life.

Imposter Syndrome: A Reflective Discourse into the Experiences of Canadian Black Nurses through Art.

Impostor syndrome is a common phenomenon experienced by individuals when entering new ranks in the workplace. Although women experience greater feelings of imposter syndrome than men, Black individuals report a prolonged experience of imposter syndrome when compared to their white counterparts, which negatively impacts their everyday experiences, health, and overall well-being. With growing studies showing the pervasive nature of anti-Black racism on the health of Black people, there remains a paucity of studies showing the connection between anti-Black racism and imposter syndrome. Within nursing, anti-Black racism can be seen to foster imposter syndrome through discriminatory practices that affect the career development, recruitment, and retention of Black nurses. Anti-Black racism is prevalent, and, in this paper, two Black nurses share insight through their own encounters with imposter syndrome and its relationship with anti-Black racism. Guided by Black feminist thought, they use art to navigate their reflective discourse as a means of reclaiming their identity and positionality as leaders in their rights. Reflective discourse is ideal for transformative learning to occur through dialogue. In addition, it promotes the use of art for deeper discussions when understanding the Black experience. Together, these nurses explicate how adopting Afrocentric knowledge and practices through their reflective discourse can affirm their identity, promote a sense of belonging, and assist in dismantling the effects of anti-Black racism and imposter syndrome within nursing.

Health-related quality of life of people with depression: pre-post intervention compared with age-matched general population in Vietnam

BackgroundIn Vietnam, there is a paucity of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) research on people with depression as well as a lack of evidence on supported self-management (SSM) intervention for depression on HRQoL. This study aimed to compare the HRQoL of people with depression and age-matched people in the Vietnamese population, evaluate the effects of Tele-SSM intervention on HRQoL, and examine the association between the changes in HRQoL score and mental health well-being (depression, anxiety, and stress).MethodsThis study was a pre- and post-study involving Vietnamese adults aged 18–64 who had depression symptoms (score ≥ 5 points in the PHQ-9). Participants (N = 58) completed Tele-SSM—a supported self-management intervention incorporating cognitive behavioral therapy and non-violent communication and using a task-shifting approach. To compare with the general population, we conducted a 1-to-1 matching by age with an EQ-5D-5L valuation study with a nationally representative sample of the Vietnamese general population.ResultsHRQoL was significantly impaired in people with depression compared to the age-matched general population. Regarding health profile, participants reported the most difficulties in usual activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression dimensions. Significant improvements were observed in HRQoL scores post-intervention compared to pre-intervention in both EQ-VAS scores (from 59.84 to 79.48) and utility scores (from 0.79 to 0.90). These results remained lower than the age-matched general population (EQ-VAS score = 83.28, utility score = 0.96). Depression was associated with lower HRQoL while controlling for stress, anxiety symptoms and sociodemographic characteristics.ConclusionsThese results indicate that HRQoL is significantly impaired in people with depression and contribute to providing empirical evidence of Tele-SSM intervention in improving HRQoL. Further randomized controlled trials should be conducted to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the Tele-SSM intervention.

Developing and piloting a set of quality-of-care indicators for Romanian public hospitals as part of a national programme to fund quality

BackgroundHealthcare systems aim to enhance the health status and well-being of the individuals and populations they serve. To achieve this, measuring and evaluating the quality and safety of services provided and the outcomes achieved is essential. Like other countries, Romania faces challenges regarding the quality of care provided in its public hospitals. To address this, the Romanian Ministry of Health initiated reforms in 2022, including implementing a pay-for-performance model based on quality indicators. This paper presents a descriptive analysis of processes, methods, results and lessons learned from developing and piloting a set of Quality of Care indicators for Romanian public hospitals.MethodsWorld Health Organization’s Athens Office on Quality of Care and Patient Safety assisted Romania in developing and piloting a set of quality-of-care indicators for public hospitals. The development phase included defining indicator domains, identifying potential indicators across these domains, and defining the final indicator set. The piloting phase involved selecting and recruiting piloting hospitals, developing data collection and validation methods and tools, training hospital staff, and collecting and analysing indicator data. Piloting ended with an evaluation workshop. Mixed, quantitative and qualitative methods were used, including literature reviews, stakeholder consultation workshops, survey instruments developed for this study, modified Delphi panels and consensus-building meetings. National stakeholders were actively involved throughout the process.ResultsFour priority domains were defined for quality-of-care indicators for Romanian public hospitals: patient safety, patient experience, healthcare workforce training and safety, and clinical effectiveness. 25 core indicators were selected across these domains. During the pilot, hospitals achieved an average completion rate of 90% for data submission, with all domains rated equally relevant during post-pilot evaluations. Lessons included the need for supportive legislation, improved internal auditing practices and enhanced staff training, refinement of indicator data collection methods and alignment of indicators with hospital-specific contexts.ConclusionsThis work presents a significant stride in improving Romanian public hospitals’ quality of care and patient safety. It underscores the importance of high-level commitment, stakeholder engagement, and robust data practices in driving successful quality improvement efforts. Emphasising the role of data-driven and patient-centric approaches in achieving optimal healthcare outcomes, lessons learned offer insights for the continuation of quality improvement work in Romania but also for healthcare systems elsewhere.

Satisfaction with the Exercise Program and Successful Aging Among Older Adults Who Exercise Regularly: The Multiple Mediation of Physical Self-Efficacy and Exercise Adherence.

As the Republic of Korea transitions towards a super-aged society, the health and mental well-being of older adults are emerging as critical issues. While many researchers are focusing on successful aging among older adults who participate in exercise, there is a research gap in the Korean literature regarding the preconditions that foster this outcome. Therefore, this study analyzed the relationship between satisfaction and exercise, physical self-efficacy (PSE), exercise adherence, and successful aging among Korean older adults who exercise regularly. The participants were 369 (234 male and 135 female) older adults aged 65 or older living in the Republic of Korea, with an average age of 69.91 years. Data were collected from March 2024 to June 2024 and analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and structural equation modeling. There was no problem with the model fit. Satisfaction with exercise positively affected PSE (β = 0.317, p < 0.001), exercise adherence (β = 0.487, p < 0.001), and successful aging (β = 0.669, p < 0.001). PSE positively affected exercise adherence (β = 0.356, p < 0.001), and exercise adherence positively affected successful aging (β = 0.190, p < 0.05). Furthermore, PSE (β = 0.019, p < 0.01) and exercise adherence (β = 0.081, p < 0.05) mediated the relationship between satisfaction with exercise and successful aging. Satisfaction with exercise is important for promoting successful aging among Korean older adults who exercise. Satisfaction with exercise can increase their efficacy for performing physical activities and encourage them to continue exercising. This can ultimately lead to a happy life in old age.

Impact of Obesity, Menopause, and Depression in Women's Health: An Attempt to Decipher the Complex Relationship.

Menopause symptoms may be distressing, especially when they appear at a time when women are expected to play significant responsibilities in society. Numerous biological systems are influenced by the hormonal changes that start during the menopausal transition. This review attempts to decipher the complex relationship between obesity, menopause, and depression, citing some recent longitudinal and cross-sectional studies. Additionally, this study provides a summary of the different phytoestrogens, their sources, and probable mechanisms of action in addition to available therapeutic alternatives. For this review purpose, the authors have gone through a vast number of articles from various scientific databases like PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science. It is becoming clear that the physiological basis for these menopausal symptoms is complicated and connected to estrogen deficiency, but not alone. Other hormones like FSH, LH, progesterone, and inhibin B are the major ones that are both directly and indirectly responsible for most of the menopausal symptoms. Numerous longitudinal and cross-sectional studies have found a direct relationship between the incidence of menopause and depression as well as obesity. Phytoestrogens like stilbene, lignans, isoflavone, and coumestan have been reported to be the alternatives to synthetic estrogen with lesser side effects, as reported in various studies. The complex relationship between depression, menopause, and obesity presents a complex obstacle to women's health and overall well-being. There might be a lot of promising prospects for revolutionary advancements in women's health during the menopausal stage in the future. Promising drug development that targets not just one but also the three conditions -obesity, menopause, and depression - as well as more thorough research are needed to improve the healthcare system for women who suffer from these conditions.

The LTAR Cropland Common Experiment at the Kellogg Biological Station.

The Kellogg Biological Station Long-term Agroecosystem Research site (KBS LTAR) joined the national LTAR Network in 2015 to represent a northeast portion of the North Central Region, extending across 76,000 km2 of southern Michigan and northern Indiana. Regional cropping systems are dominated by corn (Zea mays)-soybean (Glycine max) rotations managed with conventional tillage, industry-average rates of fertilizer and pesticide inputs uniformly applied, few cover crops, and little animal integration. In 2020, KBS LTAR initiated the Aspirational Cropping System Experiment as part of the LTAR Common Experiment, a co-production model wherein stakeholders and researchers collaborate to advance transformative change in agriculture. The Aspirational (ASP) cropping system treatment, designed by a team of agronomists, farmers, scientists, and other stakeholders, is a five-crop rotation of corn, soybean, winter wheat (Triticum aestivum), winter canola (Brassicus napus), and a diverse forage mix. All phases are managed with continuous no-till, variable rate fertilizer inputs, and integrated pest management to provide benefits related to economic returns, water quality, greenhouse gas mitigation, soil health, biodiversity, and social well-being. Cover crops follow corn and winter wheat, with fall-planted crops in the rotation providing winter cover in other years. The experiment is replicated with all rotation phases at both the plot and field scales and with perennial prairie strips in consistently low-producing areas of ASP fields. The prevailing practice (or Business as usual [BAU]) treatment mirrors regional prevailing practices as revealed by farmer surveys. Stakeholders and researchers evaluate the success of the ASP and BAU systems annually and implement management changes on a 5-year cycle.

Women’s health and psychological well-being in the return-to-work process after long-term sick leave for common mental disorders: women’s and first-line managers’ perspectives

Background and aimCommon mental disorders are common reasons for long-term sick leave, especially among women. Return to work is often complex and unsuccessful, why more knowledge is needed regarding women’s health and psychological well-being in the return-to-work process. Therefore, the aim was to describe women’s health and psychological well-being in the return-to-work process, from women’s and first-line managers’ perspectives.MethodsIndividual interviews were conducted with 17 women and 16 first-line managers. Qualitative content analysis was performed based on the content areas “Women’s health (i.e. overall well-being, both physical and psychological) throughout the whole RTW process” and “Women’s psychological well-being (happiness, meaning and a sense of being significant) at work after work resumption” Themes and categories were created.ResultsWomen and managers had similar descriptions, i.e. that women’s health and psychological well-being depend on the individual characteristics of women themselves, their private life, work and other stakeholders. However, women described relational work tasks (e.g. meeting patients) as beneficial for health, and highlighted small stressors in the work environment, which the managers did not. Having work that was compatible with private life, being in good health, having stimulating work tasks and strengthening relationships at work were important for the women’s psychological well-being.ConclusionsBased on women’s and first-line managers experiences, promotion of women’s health and psychological well-being during the return-to-work process requires individually adapted assessments and actions involving women’s entire life situation. First-line managers should know that relational work tasks (e.g., meeting patients) can be beneficial for women’s health as well as that minor stressor in the work environment can put their health at risk.

Turnaway Study Report Unethically Violated Participants' Privacy and Misleads Public with a Non-Representative Sample, Selective Reporting, and Overstated Conclusions.

Results from the Turnaway Study, conducted by Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health (ANSRH), have widely been represented as definitive proof that women denied access to abortion will suffer severe injury to their health and economic wellbeing. Yet a careful examination reveals that the study is based on a non-random, non-representative sample of women that grossly underrepresents the experiences of the majority of women undergoing abortions. In addition, a reanalysis of its reported results reveal that the effect size of the outcomes observed have been grossly overstated, leading to conclusions that are not supported by the results. There also appears to be selective reporting and misrepresentation of results previously published. In addition, inconsistencies in ANSRH's published record strongly suggest that the credit history reports of the Turnaway Study participants were obtained without their informed consent.

Limited health literacy increases the likelihood of cognitive frailty among older adults

BackgroundCognitive frailty is a dual geriatric syndrome that is preventable with lifestyle changes. Lifestyle changes are influenced by literacy level. However, the association between limited health literacy (HL) and cognitive frailty (CF) is yet to be discovered.ObjectivesThis study aims to determine the association between HL and CF among older adults.MethodsData was collected between April 2021 to March 2022 in this cross-sectional study. Citizens aged 60 years and older who can understand Malay and English were selected through purposive sampling from the AGELESS Trial screening sample frame. HLS-M-Q18 was administered to determine HL and CDR, and Fried’s Criteria were used to assess the CF status.ResultsA total of 757 participants were included in the analysis. 68.2% of the total participants had a limited HL level. The prevalence of CF among older adults with limited HL was 48.2% as compared to those with adequate HL (28.2%) (p < 0.001). Based on the HLS-M-Q18 index scores, the robust group had a higher HL index score than those in the CF group: 36.1 (SD = 10.5) and 33.4 (SD = 8.6), respectively, p < 0.05. In binary logistic regression, limited HL, increasing age, lower income, lower education level and rural locality were associated with the increase of CF occurrence. Older adults with limited HL have 2.6 times higher odds of having CF.ConclusionApproximately two-thirds of multiethnic older adults in the study had limited HL, with those with limited HL has 2.6 times higher odds of having CF. These findings emphasize the importance of addressing HL to improve their health outcomes and well-being.

Urban public space initiatives and health in Africa: A mixed-methods systematic review.

Public space initiatives (PSIs) in African cities can significantly promote health and social well-being, yet their implementation and impact are unknown across the continent. There is a substantial gap in literature on PSIs in African countries, with most studies concentrated in wealthier cities and lacking comprehensive assessments of long-term health impacts. The objective of this study was to synthesise evidence on the typology, location, features, and outcomes of these initiatives as well as the guiding principles that underlie their design and implementation. Employing a mixed-methods model, the study systematically reviews peer-reviewed and grey literature articles, focusing on the types, settings, and outcomes of PSIs. Data is analyzed using the CASP appraisal tool and thematic analysis. We analysed 47 studies, 15 of which were mixed methods, 22 qualitative and 10 quantitative. Sports accounted for 50% of initiatives. 30 of the 47 papers originated from South Africa. Communities viewed initiatives' wellbeing impacts through social, economic, and ecological lenses, with health being but one dimension. The sustainability of initiatives was often limited by funding, historical marginalization, and competing land uses. Findings underscore the need for more comprehensive, long-term evaluations and cross-sector collaborations to sustain and enhance health-promoting public spaces in African cities.

Cooking Energy, Health, and Happiness of Women in Nigeria

This study utilizes novel data to investigate the impact of cooking energy sources and indoor air pollution on the happiness, life satisfaction, physical, and mental health of women in Nigeria. The existing body of literature relies on ambient air pollution data, which can be limiting in resource-constrained settings. To address this gap, we employ a direct approach, measuring Carbon Monoxide (CO) levels in participants’ blood using the Rad-57 CO-oximeter. Our analysis reveals strong positive correlations between the utilization of clean cooking energy and women’s reported happiness and life satisfaction. Additionally, the study finds that clean cooking energy usage is associated with a significant reduction in mental health problems among women. These findings highlight a substantial disparity in well-being based on access to clean cooking energy sources. Furthermore, exposure to carbon monoxide, as measured in this study, demonstrates a detrimental effect on women’s health and overall well-being. Consequently, policymakers and stakeholders should prioritize initiatives that promote household energy access and facilitate the transition to clean cooking practices, especially in rural areas where the use of polluting fuels and exposure to indoor air pollution remain prevalent concerns. JEL Classification: D12, I31, I100, Q420.

Millets: The Sustainable Super-Food with Anti-aging Properties

Millets, a type of cereal from the Poaceae family, are among the earliest crops still produced today. They are a customary staple meal in the world's arid regions. It is a drought-resistant crop that needs minimal upkeep. This paper examines the possible anti-aging benefits of many millet species, including finger millet, foxtail millet, and pearl millet, as well as their diverse nutritional profiles. Rich in vital minerals like vitamin E, selenium, and amino acids, as well as antioxidants like polyphenols and flavonoids, millets assist tissue repair, improve collagen synthesis, and lessen oxidative stress on the skin. Their low glycemic index also helps to stabilize blood sugar levels, which lowers the risk of age-related illnesses including diabetes and heart disease. Additionally, millets support intestinal health, which is essential for absorbing nutrients and maintaining general vitality. Millets are an environmentally friendly crop that promotes agricultural sustainability because they demand little in the way of resources to grow. By integrating millets into the diet, individuals can benefit from a natural approach to longevity, promoting both personal health and environmental well-being.

Nutritional Composition and Phytochemical Analysis of Ragi Microgreens

Ragi (elusine coracana) is one of the staple pseudocereal well known for his multitude of beneficial roles in promoting health and general wellbeing. Though it is one of the common millets and majorly consumed in south and north part of India, nutritional potential of ragi microgreens is yet to be explored. Considering other established microgreen’s nutritional significance, possible health implications, antioxidant properties and erythropoietic activity, present study was undertaken to estimate nutritional composition, qualitative phytochemical analysis, and quantification of bioactive ingredients of lyophilized ragi microgreens. Since lyophilisation is considered superior technique in preserving heat labile compounds, compared to other dehydration methods, it was used as the preferred sample for present study. Nutrient composition of ragi microgreens was found to be impressive with a protein content of 13.3 gm percent, crude fibre content 8 gm percent, iron mg percent vitamin C 112 mg percent and calcium are 91 gm percent. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed presence of terpenoids, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and sterols. Total chlorophyll estimation indicated that total chlorophyll content of lyophilized ragi microgreen is 623 mg/100 gm.

Early Childhood Routines and Adolescent Health & Well-Being: Associations From a US Urban Cohort of Children With Socioeconomic Disadvantage.

To investigate longitudinal associations between the presence of early childhood routines- predictable and repeatable functional practices that promote healthy growth, development, and relationships - and adolescent health outcomes. Secondary data analysis. 20 large U.S. cities. 2943 children with socioeconomic disadvantage from the Future of Families cohort. Routines at age 3 (shared family meals, bedtime routine, daily reading); outcomes later in the same children at age 15 (healthy routines, overall health, psychological well-being). Descriptive statistics, regression analyses. We detected longitudinal associations between early childhood routines and later adolescent routines (increased count of shared family meals by parent report [IRR 1.13, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.24, P = 0.007], bedtime routine and daily reading by adolescent report [aOR 1.34, 95% CI: 1.08, 1.67, P = 0.008; aOR 1.18, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.38, P = 0.04; respectively]). A bedtime routine in early childhood was associated with excellent health in adolescence (aOR 1.42, 95% CI: 1.12, 1.79, P = 0.004]. Adolescent routines were concurrently associated with overall health and psychological well-being. We also detected two longitudinal patterns of associations suggesting multiple mechanisms for how early childhood routines influence later health and well-being. Early childhood routines predict adolescent routines, and may contribute to long term adolescent health outcomes. Future studies may promote childhood routines during critical developmental stages as a strength-based strategy to promote long-term health and well-being.

NUTRIFLEX

The NUTRIFLEX project is a comprehensive AI-powered application designed to provide personalized nutrition and health management solutions. The goal of the project is to assist individuals in optimizing their diet based on their unique biological and emotional needs, including gut health, mood, and overall well-being. By combining artificial intelligence (AI) and user input, NUTRIFLEX offers tailored meal plans, calorie predictions, mood-enhancing food recommendations, and a gamified approach to motivate users to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The problem addressed by NUTRIFLEX is the growing challenge people face in maintaining a balanced and healthy diet. Modern lifestyles, characterized by fast-paced routines and unhealthy food choices, contribute to poor physical and mental health. Many individuals struggle to find the right balance between their nutritional intake and their health goals, whether it's weight loss, muscle gain, or general wellness. Furthermore, gut health, which plays a critical role in overall health, is often neglected in conventional meal planning applications. Mood fluctuations also significantly impact people's food choices, leading to stress eating or energy dips. NUTRIFLEX solves these problems by offering a holistic, AI-driven solution that adapts to users' unique needs. By using machine learning models, NUTRIFLEX predicts the calorie content of meals and creates personalized meal plans based on user-specific data such as Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) and Total Energy Expenditure (TEE). The application also provides mood-based meal suggestions, helping users manage their emotional state through food choices that boost energy, focus, and relaxation. One of the most innovative features of NUTRIFLEX is its gut health functionality. By allowing users to input microbiome data, the app generates personalized meal recommendations designed to improve gut health, which in turn enhances overall physical and mental well-being. This focus on gut health distinguishes NUTRIFLEX from traditional meal planners. In addition, NUTRIFLEX integrates gamification to keep users engaged and motivated. Users can set health goals, track their progress, and earn rewards, making the health journey enjoyable and sustainable.

U-Space Social and Environmental Performance Indicators

The social potential of Urban Air Mobility (UAM) as a greener and faster transportation system in and around urban environments is indisputable. Nevertheless, the success of UAM introduction and its wide use will strongly depend on acceptance by the citizens and future UAM users. The impact on overall quality of life, as a multidimensional concept that encompasses physical health, mental and emotional well-being, economic status, education, and the environment, is becoming a significant issue. This paper aims to describe the performance framework for the assessment of the social and environmental impact of UAM. The specific objectives are to identify the full range of UAM’s impacts on citizens’ quality of life and to propose a set of indicators that enables the quantification and assessment of the identified impacts. Firstly, the main issues (focus areas) were identified, namely, noise, visual pollution, and privacy concerns, followed by access and equity, economic aspect, emissions, public safety, and impact on wildlife. In the next step, for each identified focus area, performance indicators were defined along with the several cross-cutting areas for a geographical, temporal, demographic, socioeconomic, and behavioral resolution. The proposed performance framework could enable more efficient mitigation measures and possibly contribute to wider adoption of the UAM operations.

Prevalence of Depressive Symptoms in a Predominantly Hispanic/Latinx South Texas Community in the Aftermath of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

COVID-19 has a lasting impact on mental health, particularly within the Hispanic/Latinx communities. This paper empirically investigates the post-COVID-19 presence and severities of depression, one of the most common mental health disorders, among adults in a predominantly U.S.-born Hispanic/Latinx community in South Texas composed primarily of Mexican Americans. Multiple statistic regression models were applied to data from 515 adults in Nueces County who completed all questions in a survey from convenience sampling between June 2022 and May 2023. Depression was assessed using both standard PHQ-2 and PHQ-9 measurements. Of the 515 participants, 377 (64.5%) were Hispanic, and 441 (85.6%) had a high school education or higher, reflecting the county's demographics. About half of the participants (47%) reported mild/moderate to severe depression. The regression model estimation results reveal that female participants, those not in full-time employment, and individuals with disabilities were more likely to feel depressed after COVID-19. Middle-aged adults demonstrated greater resilience to depression compared to other age groups. Notably, non-Hispanic participants in the study reported higher levels of depression compared to their Hispanic counterparts. Additionally, COVID-19-related experiences, such as testing positive for the virus, being hospitalized, or having a history of depression before COVID-19, were associated with higher levels of reported depression. COVID-19 has significantly impacted the mental health of this predominantly U.S.-born Hispanic/Latinx community. These findings can assist healthcare providers and policymakers in developing targeted strategies to tailor interventions aimed at enhancing mental health well-being, reducing disparities, and fostering overall improvement within the Hispanic/Latinx community.