Individual Well-being Research Articles

Mental well-being of sexual minority individuals: Exploring the role of intraminority stress

AbstractThe recently posed intraminority gay community stress theory states that sexual minority (SM) men may experience stress within their community resulting in lower levels of mental well-being. However, only few quantitative studies have evaluated this theory, and none of these studies examined the impact of intraminority stress on the mental well-being of SM female populations. In Dutch-speaking SM individuals who were assigned male at birth (N = 293) and SM individuals who were assigned female at birth (N = 527), this exploratory study examined associations between the four facets of intraminority stress and five mental health symptoms. When controlling for demographics and minority stress, intraminority stress was positively associated with psychological distress, body dissatisfaction, and interpersonal awareness in both SM male and SM female individuals, while positive associations with timidity were only found in the latter. As for the intraminority stress facets, particularly the SM community’s focus on competition and exclusion of social diversity seem to impact the mental well-being of SM individuals. The results support the notion that intraminority stress – along with minority stress – has important value in explaining mental health problems in SM male and SM female populations. Future research may examine how intraminority stress relates to the protective effects of community connectedness and having a sense of belonging, and to what extent and how intraminority stress should be addressed in interventions for stress-sensitive mental health symptoms in SM populations.

Health shocks and households’ welfare in Ghana: does social assistance mitigate the effects?

PurposeHealth shocks are among the factors that have impeded households from experiencing better welfare. To mitigate the consequences of these shocks, individuals have sought to enrol in a formal insurance scheme or borrow from banks. This study estimates the effects of health shocks on households' welfare while examining the mitigating role of social assistance in Ghana.Design/methodology/approachThe study utilized the three-stage least squares and feasible generalized least squares to estimate the impact of health shocks on households' welfare.FindingsThe authors find that health shocks put households at risk, particularly disability and severe illness, which significantly limits individuals’ ability to smooth consumption to increase welfare. We further find that hospitalization due to illness significantly allows households to increase welfare through consumption. Finally, we find that social assistance has the potential to reduce these adverse effects of shocks conditioned on the type of shock and the outcome variable in question.Research limitations/implicationsFirst, we only used cross-sectional data for the two waves and therefore lacked panel data across time for analyses. Second, the data do not provide information on the exact amount of cash received by beneficiaries, so it was quite impossible to measure the exact effect of social assistance on welfare. We could only track whether or not having such assistance could mitigate the effect of a health shock.Practical implicationsThe practical implication of the findings is that Ghana needs to build a resilient health system in order to withstand the health shocks of individuals.Originality/valueNo study has attempted to investigate the differential effect of health shocks – hospitalization, disability and labour days lost due to illness in Ghana. Our choice is dependent on the fact that these shocks have been an issue for many households in Ghana, thus the need to examine their impact on individual well-being. Second, social assistance has been Ghana’s flagship social protection programme, but what is missing in the literature is whether this programme is capable of reducing the effect of health shocks faced by beneficiaries’ households in Ghana.

Efficacy of wooden toy training in alleviating cognitive decline in elderly individuals with cognitive impairment: A cluster randomized controlled study.

With the increasing global aging population, the health and welfare of elderly individuals, especially individuals with prevalent mild cognitive impairment (MCI) living in nursing homes, have become critical concerns. These concerns highlight the urgency of developing effective interventions to address the cognitive and psychological needs of elderly individuals, ensuring their well-being and alleviating the burden on their caregivers. This study investigates the impact of wooden toy training on mitigating cognitive decline in elderly individuals with cognitive impairment. It evaluates how this training influences cognitive functions and psychological well-being, exploring whether it can slow or reverse the progression of cognitive decline. This outcome will be assessed in a randomized controlled trial, in which changes in cognitive ability and psychological health indicators among the participants will be measured. A two-arm, open-label, cluster-randomized controlled trial. The study was conducted in two nursing homes, which served as both the recruitment sites for participants and the intervention locations. These nursing homes were selected for their ability to facilitate the intervention and for their representative demographic characteristics of the elderly population. The settings provided a controlled environment that was conducive to implementing the wooden toy training program and observing its effects on the participants. A total of 76 elderly participants with mild cognitive impairment but functional independence were recruited. Participants were randomized into an intervention group and a control group. The intervention group engaged in an 8-week wooden toy training program, whereas those in the control cohort received customary nursing care. Standardized cognitive and psychological well-being measures were used to assess improvements in cognitive performance and mental health. Significant improvements were observed in the cognitive functions of the intervention group from a baseline score of M = 13.11 to M = 16.29 postintervention (95% CI [-4.44, -1.93]), along with reductions in depressive symptoms from a baseline score of M = 8.63 to M = 7.18 (95% CI [0.38, 2.51]). Additionally, engagement in activities with wooden toys significantly satisfied their need for competence, increasing from a baseline of M = 16.29 to M = 20 postintervention (95% CI [-5.92, -1.51]), and relatedness, which improved from a baseline of M = 20.32 to M = 22.95 (95% CI [-4.73, -0.53]). This study underscores the potential of a wooden toy intervention in nursing homes that combines cognitive challenges with traditional cultural elements to improve cognitive functions in elderly individuals with mild cognitive impairment. Our findings suggest a novel method of promoting the cognitive and psychological health of nursing home residents through emotional comfort and social interaction.

텍스트 마이닝을 활용한 국내 기본심리욕구 연구 동향 분석

Objectives The purpose of this study is to examine research trends related to basic psychological needs in Korea and identify major research topics and trends. Methods To this end, we analyzed 327 academic papers related to basic psychological needs, which were more than candidates for KCI registration published on the Academic Research Information Service. The data was preprocessed through an R program, and the results of keyword frequency analysis were visualized in a word cloud, and analyzed by topic modeling. Results First, according to the literature status, 327 journals have been published in 106 societies, including the Learner-Centered Curriculum Education Association and the Korean Youth Association. Second, in keyword frequency analysis, terms such as basic psychology, desire, research, relationship, influence, mediation, analysis, autonomy, effectiveness, satisfaction, and competence appeared as top words. Third, topic modeling results were categorized by effects on individual psychological well-being, research methods, relationships with elementary school students and psychological well-being, the influence of young people's home and school environments, the mental health of college students, and relationships with stressors in modern society. Conclusions This study is significant in that it identified the characteristics of basic psychological needs research trends in Korea by applying text mining techniques to a vast amount of information on basic psychological needs, and it can be used as useful basic data for setting the direction of basic psychological needs research and selecting research topics in the future.

The Impact of Job Crafting Dimensions on Work Engagement Among Nurses: The mediating role of psychological capital

Work significantly influences individual well-being and human growth. Jobs are not solely formulated by companies based on their needs but are also actively modified by the individuals who hold those positions. High-stress professions, such as nursing, highlight how stress levels are influenced by factors like resource availability, patient demands, colleague interactions, and workplace cultural dynamics. Hence, this study investigates the effect of job crafting dimensions on work engagement, and examines psychological capital's mediating role in this relationship. It aims to reveal how job crafting can improve both personal and organizational well-being. This study is a descriptive cross-sectional study. The study was conducted with 348 nurses at Al Dhafra Hospitals in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The analysis utilized in this study was conducted using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) through SmartPLS 4 and SPSS version 27 for descriptive and correlation analysis. The findings demonstrate that the impacts of job crafting dimensions—task crafting, cognitive crafting, and relational crafting—on work engagement and psychological capital are statistically significant. Additionally, the influence of psychological capital on work engagement is statistically significant. Path analysis revealed that psychological capital mediates the interaction between job crafting dimensions and work engagement. These relationships were shown to be statistically significant. This study reinforces the significance of psychological capital and job crafting dimensions as crucial attributes in the workplace. Hence, it advocates for the healthcare industry to consider the implementation of targeted programs aimed at fostering these attributes within nursing teams. Such strategic initiatives are poised to improve individual well-being among nurses, which is expected to result in enhanced organizational efficiency and a notable decrease in turnover rates over time.

Proposal of a Modernized Work Through Analysis of the Sense of Well-Being in the Landscape Paintings of Chinese Writers “Shen Zhou” and “Shi Tao”

This study explores the potential value of promoting psychological health by analyzing individual well-being through traditional Chinese landscape paintings. Chinese landscape paintings incorporate the natural view and humanistic spirit of the major philosophical ideas of Confucianism, Taoism, and Zen Buddhism in the East. In particular, the landscape paintings of “Shen zhou(沈周)” and “Shi tao(石濤)” convey a feeling of peace and leisure. We explore how works can evoke sense of well-being with the emotional needs of modern people. The research methods include various literature studies, surveys, statistical analyses of Chinese people, and commentary on works created by the researcher by reapplying the sense of well-being in Chinese landscape paintings to modern design. This study finds that the sense of well-being in landscape paintings has a significant effect on improved psychological stability among modern people, thus identifying an opportunity to recognize the value and meaning of traditional art in modern people’s lives. In addition, this study links the modernization and commercialization of traditional works through the researcher’s individual creative works. Furthermore, the researcher reveals the characteristic elements of traditional Chinese landscape paintings and combines them with modern landscape painting techniques. Accordingly, various research-related and creative activities using landscape painting can be conducted that design and provide creative products to promote psychological well-being and vitality among busy modern people.

Developing Self-Compassion in Healthcare Professionals Utilising a Brief Online Intervention: A Randomised Waitlist Control Trial.

(1) Background: The level of stress experienced by staff in the healthcare sector is highly prevalent and well documented. Self-compassion may support the health and wellbeing of individuals and enable them to stay well at work. This study aimed to understand whether a brief, online, self-guided, novel intervention improved the health and wellbeing of healthcare professionals. (2) Methods: In a parallel randomised controlled trial, a volunteer sample of healthcare professionals were assigned to an intervention group (n = 110) or a waitlist control group (n = 80). Measures of self-compassion, mental wellbeing, stress and burnout were collected by an online questionnaire at baseline, post-programme and, for the intervention group, at follow-up. (3) Results: This intervention appeared to be effective in increasing self-compassion and mental health and decreasing stress and burnout. Significant group effects and significant time × group interactions for overall self-compassion [F (2, 183) = 32.72, p < 0.001; effect size ηp2 = 0.226], mental wellbeing [F (2, 212) = 17.46, p < 0.001; effect size ηp2 = 0.135], perceived stress [F (2, 205) = 5.42, p = 0.006; effect size ηp2 = 0.46], personal burnout [F (2, 224) = 7.57, p = 0.001; effect size ηp2 = 0.063] and work burnout [F (2, 208) = 7.39, p = 0.001; effect size ηp2 = 0.062] were found. (4) Conclusions: This study shows promise that an affordable and scalable intervention can be effective for busy healthcare professionals operating in a significantly challenging environment.

Work-life Balance: An Essential Capability for Social Workers’ Well-being in Free State, South Africa

Social workers in South Africa and internationally promote the welfare of individuals, families, groups, and communities by attending to their social issues and needs. The advancement of this goal is intricately connected to professionals’ well-being. Drawing on qualitative interviews conducted in one of South Africa’s provinces, the Free State, and deploying the capability approach and work-family border theory, this study examines social workers’ conceptualisation of their well-being and the significance of a work-life balance in attaining well-being. It explores the many challenges faced by social workers in sustaining a balance between their personal and professional lives. A purposive sample of 18 participants consisting of eight practising social workers and ten student social workers was selected. Data was collected through individual semi-structured interviews. The findings from the study suggest that social workers understand their well-being in quite broad terms. Besides their physical and mental health, they conceive their well-being with regard to the satisfaction that comes with the accomplishment of various professional (work) and private (life) functionings. They, for instance, cherish growing as professionals, being effective helpers, having control and autonomy over their work, being supported by organisational structures, and having ample time for their private lives and families. However, in South Africa, working conditions characterised by a lack of resources, high caseloads, and poor salaries cause work-life imbalance and interfere with the achievement of social workers’ valued life goals and overall well-being.

NURSING SCIENCE TREND, CURRENT AND CHALLENGES IN ETHIOPIA: A NARRATIVE REVIEW EVIDENCE FROM RECENT LITERATURE AND POLICIES

Abstract Nursing is a profession dedicated to promoting and maintaining the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities. In Ethiopia, the nursing profession has undergone significant changes in recent years, with the number of nurses increasing and the profession becoming more professionalized. However, there are still significant challenges facing the nursing profession in Ethiopia, such as the shortage of nurses, poor working conditions, and lack of education and training. The review begins by providing an overview of the nursing profession, including its history, scope of practice, and education and training requirements. The review then discusses the trends in nursing in Ethiopia, such as the increasing number of nurses with bachelor's degrees and the growing specialization of nurses. Finally, the review discusses the challenges facing the nursing profession in Ethiopia and provides recommendations for addressing these challenges. The review concludes by highlighting the importance of the nursing profession in Ethiopia and the need to address the challenges facing the profession in order to ensure that Ethiopia has a sufficient number of well-trained nurses to meet the needs of its population.

The Perceived Inclusivity of Sex Education Scale – 2: Sex Education Inclusivity and Health Outcomes Among Gender Diverse Individuals

Past research has documented a relationship between sex education inclusivity and health outcomes among sexually diverse youth (e.g., lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer). However, despite transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals also being regularly excluded from sex education, little research has explored this relationship among TGD people. In the current study, the Perceived Inclusivity of Sex Education Scale − 2 (PISES-2) was developed to better understand the associations between perceived sex education climate and both mental and behavioral health outcomes. TGD individuals (N = 162) were recruited to participate in an online survey to examine these associations. Results suggested that greater levels of perceived inclusivity of sex education were associated with lower levels of depression, anxiety, and suicidality in high school and post-high school. Additionally, greater levels of inclusivity of sex education were associated with increased sexual behaviors and less hesitancy toward sex in TGD individuals in high school and post-high school. These conclusions add to the growing literature highlighting the critical importance of inclusive and affirming sex education for the safety and well-being of TGD individuals.

Preparedness of Practicing Nurses in the Care of Sexual and Gender Diverse People in the United States: A Scoping Review.

Sexual and gender diverse (SGD) people in the United States (US) experience health inequities due to societal stigma and marginalisation. The nursing workforce must provide evidence-based affirming, inclusive and culturally responsive care for SGD people to meet individual and community health needs and eliminate disparities. The purpose of this scoping review was to synthesise what is known about (1) nurses' knowledge, skills and attitudes related to caring for SGD people in the US and (2) the existence, development and evaluation of SGD-related educational offerings available to practicing nurses in the US to develop the knowledge and skills needed to promote the health and wellbeing of SGD individuals, families and communities. This review followed the scoping review methodology and PRISMA for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). In conjunction with a health librarian, an electronic literature search was conducted using PubMed, LGBT Health, CINAHL, ERIC and Health Source-Nursing. Thirty-two studies were included in this review, including quantitative and qualitative studies that sought to understand the knowledge, attitudes and clinical experiences of nurses related to the care of SGD people; studies that tested educational interventions and studies that identified educational barriers and facilitators. Major gaps in education, practice and research, as well as methodological limitations of existing studies, were noted. Nurses would benefit from expanded access to effective standardised foundational SGD-related health continuing education to help prepare them to care for diverse patient populations. Equity, inclusivity and dignity are key values of the nursing profession. It is imperative that nurses have the knowledge and skills to apply these values consistently in day-to-day professional practice across populations and settings. There is an urgent need to develop standardised, easily accessible evidence-based educational content to address nurses' knowledge of and attitudes towards caring for SGD people. This study adhered to the PRISMA-ScR reporting guidelines. There was no patient or public contribution to this study.

Inclusive servicescapes: the imperative of universal design principles

Purpose This study aims to explore the transformative potential of universal design (UD) principles in changing servicescapes to enhance consumer experiences and foster inclusive practices across various sectors. Design/methodology/approach Drawing from existing literature and research findings, this study offers a review of inclusive servicescapes and service practices through the lens of UD. The investigation spans multiple domains to highlight the impact of UD principles on inclusivity and societal welfare. Findings This research delves into the theoretical and practical contributions of UD principles, showcasing their application in diverse sectors to enhance citizenship experiences. This study presents valuable insights for businesses and service providers, emphasizing the significance of UD in improving societal well-being and fostering inclusivity. Research limitations/implications This study broadens the theoretical framework of UD, showcasing its versatility across various sectors and reinforcing its contribution to enhancing societal inclusion. By analyzing the interplay between UD principles and inclusive servicescape practices, this study highlights UD’s transformative impact on enriching citizenship experiences and fostering a deeper sense of belonging. Drawing from seminal works, this research not only adds to the understanding of UD’s role in promoting inclusivity but also strengthens the linkage between UD and inclusion theory, advancing the discourse on design's pivotal role in facilitating societal participation and crafting inclusive environments. Practical implications The findings of this study provide practical guidance for businesses and service providers to incorporate UD principles into servicescapes and service practices, enhancing consumer experiences. By referencing examples from education, retail and digital domains, this study offers insights for organizations seeking to create more inclusive and accessible environments. Social implications The societal implications of incorporating UD principles into marketplace practices are significant, promoting societal inclusivity and acceptance of diversity. By emphasizing the role of UD in fostering inclusive servicescapes, this study contributes to societal initiatives to ensure inclusivity and accessibility in the marketplace, ultimately enhancing the well-being of individuals with diverse abilities and promoting a more equitable society. Originality/value Building on existing literature, this study expands the understanding of UD and its potential impact on citizenship experiences. By anchoring the research on established perspectives and incorporating practical examples, this study offers original insights into the transformative power of UD in creating more inclusive and equitable societies.

Accelerating depression intervention: identifying critical psychological factors using MCDM-MOORA technique for early therapy initiation

BackgroundA thorough psychosocial assessment is time-consuming, often requiring multiple sessions to uncover the psychological factors contributing to mental illness, such as depression. The duration varies depending on the severity of the patient’s condition and how effectively the psychotherapist can establish rapport. However, prolonged assessment periods pose a significant risk of patient deterioration.MethodsThe comprehensive psychosocial intervention, led by the Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) approach utilizing the Multi-Objective Optimization by Ratio Analysis (MOORA) method, played a pivotal role in identifying the key psychological factors contributing to the depression of the client among the 21 factors specified by BDI-II analysis.ResultsThe integration of the MOORA strategy compared to traditional psychotherapy on 254 samples demonstrates a Jaccard similarity coefficient of 0.8, with a minimum error margin of 7% (vulnerability index = 0.57), indicating a significant agreement between the two approaches, both converging towards a similar solution. For patients with extreme depression, the number of sessions reduced from 18 ± 2 to 11 ± 2, showing a 33–35% reduction (χ2 = 6.94, p = 0.008). Severe depression patients experienced a reduction from 14 ± 2 to 8 ± 1 sessions i.e., 34–39% reduction (χ2 = 8.32, p = 0.004). Moderate depression patients saw sessions drop from 9 ± 1 to 5 ± 1, i.e., 37–43% reduction (χ2 = 0.29, p = 0.001). The accuracy for detecting dominant psychological factors improved to 82.88% for extreme, 86.74% for severe, and 90.34% for moderate depression, respectively. ConclusionThe implementation of MOORA facilitated the identification and prioritization of key psychosocial intervention strategies, making the process significantly faster compared to traditional methods. This acceleration greatly enhanced the precision and efficacy of the work. Additionally, critical vulnerable factors were identified through ordered statistics and correlation analysis [Pearson (r) = 0.8929 and Spearman’s rank (ρ) = 0.7551] on the Beck Depression Inventory-II model. These findings were supported by other MCDM schemes such as EDAS and TOPSIS, demonstrating high stability and robustness in dynamic decision-making environments, maintaining consistency across scenarios adapted by different psychotherapists. Overall, the combined application of MCDM (MOORA) and targeted psychological interventions yielded substantial positive outcomes in enhancing the well-being of individuals with psychological illnesses, such as depression, cognitive, affective, and somatic syndromes.

Dilemma of Individualism and Freedom in Neoliberal Understanding

There is a clear tension in the neoliberal approach to individualism and freedom. Focusing on the process of individualization and individual self-determination in markets, neoclassical approaches recognize that individuals are committed to social mobility and responsibility to act within market rules on, individual autonomy and the ability to set self-determined goals appear to be limited to market participation. The market is seen as an inherently dynamic system developed over time. According to Hayek, individualism refers to social progress and conformity to society. The aim of this paper is to respectfully examine the apparent inconsistencies and limitations of how individual freedom and choice have been conceptualized by neoliberal thinkers, through an analysis of the works of Hayek and Friedman. Neoliberal policies articulate the notion of free will and question the definition of freedom from a purely economic perspective. By further examining these nuances, the study hopes to reflect on the personal and societal political implications associated with neoliberalism’s more limited understanding of self-government and voluntarism. Finally, an examination of balanced perspectives can add to the ongoing discussion on how best to organize social policies that maximize individual dignity and collective well-being in the long run at in a constructive manner.

"Everything's a Challenge": An Interview Study of ADHD Individuals in the Midst of the Prescription Stimulant Shortage.

The shortage of prescription stimulants is an ongoing issue that is impacting the ability of individuals with ADHD to access their medication. Amidst concerns that this shortage may have a substantial impact on individuals' ability to manage their symptoms effectively, this research seeks to understand the experiences and consequences for those affected. In this study, we interviewed individuals with ADHD who have been directly impacted by the stimulant shortage. Thematic analysis focused on identifying common themes related to challenges with medication access and the resulting effects on daily living. The study uncovered significant difficulties in accessing ADHD medication due to current shortages, leading to disruptions in the management of ADHD symptoms and subsequent detriments to individuals' professional, educational, and personal lives. Systematic controls aimed at reducing non-medical use were found to exacerbate these access issues, inadvertently compounding the challenges faced by those using medication for legitimate medical needs. Individuals also described ways they coped with the shortage, with some seeking ADHD medication via unofficial channels. Our findings highlight the urgency of addressing stimulant shortages to safeguard the wellbeing of individuals with ADHD. This study also calls for a critical review of policy measures regulating stimulant medication access, and their effectiveness at reducing non-medical use given the unintended consequences these regulations appear to have on individuals prescribed these medications for therapeutic purposes.

Impact of Hatha and Iyengar Yoga on Physical Function and Quality of Life in Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative disorder that primarily affects the articular cartilage of synovial joints. This condition leads to pain, joint stiffness, decreased muscle performance, and decreased aerobic capacity, which can negatively impact a patient's quality of life (QOL) and increase their risk of disability. This systematic review aims to investigate the effectiveness of two non-pharmacological treatment regimens, Hatha yoga, and Iyengar yoga, on QOL, physical function, and mental health in patients with knee OA. Methods: This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. A comprehensive search was performed across three electronic databases: PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect, to identify eligible studies that examined the beneficial effects of Hatha Yoga and Iyengar Yoga on improving physical function, mental health, and QOL in patients with knee OA. Results: Out of 61 reports initially identified, 51 were excluded based on the pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The results of this systematic review suggest that the combination of Hatha Yoga and Iyengar Yoga can enhance physical function, mental health, and QOL in patients with knee OA. Conclusion: Both Hatha Yoga and Iyengar Yoga can serve as effective complementary treatments alongside conventional treatment to improve the overall well-being of individuals with knee OA.

Critical review on effective utilization of 5R technique in life cycle management of lithium ion battery

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are essential elements of electric vehicles and many energy storage systems. Automobile industry has leaded the way to the growth of the transportation industry. This growth has been greatly hampered due to environmental pollution, fossil fuel crisis, and growing injurious effects on individual wellbeing. The environment, and particularly air quality, is worsening as a result of uncontrolled urban growth and development Its utilization is increasing day-by-day with more number of battery-powered vehicles on road. Vehicle electrification has been studied as a possible solution to the problem of climate change for decades. Electrification of transportation is supported all over the world to reduce atmospheric air pollutant emissions, greenhouse gas emissions, and depletion of fossil fuels. Many predictions in recent years have expected widespread adoption of electric vehicles which would mostly be fuelled by lithium-ion batteries due to their high energy and power density and extended cycle life. In present work is, critical review on recycling techniques of LIBs extraction of precious material content and 5R technique has been discussed along with systematic approach for life cycle management of LIBs.

Integrated Approaches in Nutraceutical Delivery Systems: Optimizing ADME Dynamics for Enhanced Therapeutic Potency and Clinical Impact

Abstract Background Nutraceuticals is a general term for a variety of bioactive compounds such as polyphenols and omega-3 fatty acids which have shown promising ability in the field of health. Efficacy of these drugs somewhat relies on their Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion (ADME) processes in the body. Methods This review provides a comprehensive understanding of ADME principles blended with the pharmacological insights to design customized nutraceutical interventions dependent on individual well-being. This review discusses absorption dynamics starting from ingestion and excretion and further examines how they relate to a therapeutic outcome. In addition, special focus is paid to breakthrough methods like AI and multi-disciplinary cooperations among other ways of improving nutraceutical science. Both nanotechnology and encapsulation techniques, together with other novel approaches, aim at improving the bioavailability of foods. This is important for the continuing advancements in food engineering. Results Any combination of such strategies will ensure effectiveness of nutraceuticals in personalized medicine, which in turn enables better lifestyle choices for the population. Conclusion It is crucial to add ADME-understanding to pharmacology-based insights to make nutraceutical adjustments according to the situation. Innovations in the forms of AI and multi-disciplinary cooperation remain crucial in the progress of nutraceutical science. Methods like nanotechnology and encapsulation are powerful tools of improving bioavailability and tailor-made medicine, which in turn, will be responsible for healthier lives.

Integrating ethics in public health guideline development: a case-study of the NTCA guidelines on respiratory isolation for persons with TB in community settings.

Public health interventions often involve explicit tradeoffs in which the health of the many must be weighed against burdens imposed on individuals. We describe development of public health guidelines for respiratory isolation in community settings for persons with tuberculosis. While stopping the spread of disease is a core moral imperative in public health, the duty to prevent disease transmission does not supersede all other considerations. Community wellbeing must be balanced with individual wellbeing, liberty, and social justice. In response to these challenges, the National TB Coalition of America's (NTCA) 2024 Guidelines for persons with tuberculosis in community settings were developed using a modified GRADE approach supported by a complementary, comprehensive, and context-specific ethical framework. By addressing the distinct roles that evidence (subject to uncertainty), values, justificatory conditions, and procedural legitimacy all play in ethical guideline development, we promote rigor and transparency in the integration of ethics in public health guidelines.

The relationship between violent political rhetoric and suicide rates

ABSTRACT Among the groupings of Social Work Grand Challenges is Individual and Family Well-Being. One threat to individual and family well-being is suicide. Between 2011 and 2022 over half a million Americans committed suicide. Suicide has profound effects on family members. Recent research has found violent political rhetoric (VPR) as an aspect of the social environment is associated with violence, including mass shootings and police shootings of civilians, both threats to individual and family well-being. No studies have investigated the possible relationship between VPR and suicide rates. This study, a secondary analysis of publicly available data, addresses this absence. The dependent variable was suicide rates in the U.S. Census regions. Independent variables included census region populations, VPR, gun ownership, and temperature. Panel analysis methods with Driscoll-Kraay robust standard errors were used. Statistically significant relationships between suicide rates and VPR, changes in gun ownership, and temperature were found, with between-region differences. Violent political rhetoric appears to be associated with increasing suicide rates, and these relationships may differ between regions. Implications of these findings for future research and for social work efforts to combat the effects of VPR and potentially reduce suicide rates, especially for populations targeted by VPR, are considered.