Influence Of Sociocultural Factors Research Articles

Sociocultural Factors Influence on Burden and Stress of Caregivers of Children with Epilepsy.

Sociocultural Factors Influence on Burden and Stress of Caregivers of Children with Epilepsy.

Self-reported and accelerometry measures of sleep components in adolescents living in Pacific Island countries and territories: Exploring the role of sociocultural background.

The objective of this study is to assess the concordance and its association with sociocultural background of a four-question survey with accelerometry in a multiethnic adolescent population, regarding sleep components. Based on questions from the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and adapted to a school context, the questionnaire focussed on estimating sleep onset time, wake-up time and sleep duration on both weekdays and weekends. This subjective survey was compared with accelerometry data while also considering the influence of sociocultural factors (sex, place of living, ethnic community and socio-economic status). Adolescents aged 10.5-16 years (n = 182) in New Caledonia completed the survey and wore an accelerometer for seven consecutive days. Accelerometry was used to determine sleep onset and wake-up time using validated algorithms. Based on response comparison, Bland-Altman plots provided agreement between subjective answers and objective measures. We categorized participants' answers to the survey into underestimated, aligned and overestimated categories based on time discrepancies with accelerometry data. Multinomial regressions highlighted the sociocultural factors associated with discrepancies. Concordance between the accelerometer and self-reported assessments was low particularly during weekends (18%, 26% and 19% aligned for onset sleep time, wake-up time and sleep duration respectively) compared with weekdays (36%, 53% and 31% aligned, respectively). This means that the overall concordance was less than 30%. When considering the sociocultural factors, only place of living was associated with discrepancies in onset sleep time and wake-up time primarily on weekdays. Rural adolescents were more likely to overestimate both onset sleep time (B = -1.97, p < 0.001) and wake-up time (B = -1.69, p = 0.003). The study found low concordance between self-assessment and accelerometry outputs for sleep components. This was particularly low for weekend days and for participants living in rural areas. While the adapted four-item questionnaire was useful and easy to complete, caution should be taken when making conclusions about sleep habits based solely on this measurement.

The diversity of clinical features of depressive disorders and their diagnostic challenges

Depression disorder, a mental illness characterized by persistent low mood, has a variety of symptoms, including emotional, cognitive, physiological and behavioral manifestations. However, the non-specificity of these symptoms, the differences in subjective feelings of patients, the influence of sociocultural factors, and the concealment of patients all pose challenges for the accurate diagnosis of depressive disorders. This paper discusses the clinical characteristics of depressive disorder and the challenges faced in the diagnosis process, and puts forward coping strategies and suggestions, such as detailed medical history inquiry, comprehensive physical examination, the use of standardized rating scales, and the improvement of doctors' cognition and diagnostic ability, so as to improve the diagnostic accuracy of depressive disorder and provide patients with more accurate treatment plans.

Short-term memory binding is insensitive to the socioeconomic status of older adults with and without mild cognitive impairment

Objective: The Visual Short-Term Memory Binding (VSTMB) Test is a useful tool in the assessment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Research has suggested that short-term memory binding is insensitive to the sociocultural characteristics of the assessed individuals. Such earlier studies addressed this influence by considering years of education. The current study aims to determine the influence of sociocultural factors via a measure of Socioeconomic Status (SES) which provides a more holistic approach to these common confounders. Methods: A sample of 126 older adults, both with (n = 59) and without (n = 67) amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), underwent assessment using a neuropsychological protocol including VSTMB test. All participants were classified as either high SES or low SES, employing the Standard Demographic Classification from the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research. Results: ANOVA/ANCOVA models confirmed that performance of healthy and aMCI participants on traditional neuropsychological tests were sensitive to SES whereas the VSTMB Test was not. The results add to the growing array of evidence suggesting that there are cognitive abilities which are unaffected by socioeconomic factors, regardless of clinical condition. Conclusions: The lack of sensitivity to sociocultural factors previously reported for the VSTMB test is accompanied by a lack of sensitivity to socioeconomic factors thus broadening the scope of this test to aid in the detection of dementia across populations with different backgrounds. Future studies should take these findings forward and explore the potential influences of AD biomarkers (A/T/N) on the association between cognitive functions and demographic variables.

Socio-Cultural Factors Affecting the Use of Modern Family Planning Methods by Married Men in Omala Local Government Area, Kogi State, Nigeria

The use of contraceptives is one of the modern family planning methods across the globe, but not free of the influence of socio-cultural factors. Hence, this study examined the socio-cultural factors influencing the practice of family planning among married men in the Omala Local Government Area. The specific objectives of the study included ascertaining if married men in Omala LGA were aware of modern family planning methods, an investigation into the assessment and utilization of family planning methods, determining the perceived benefits of the practice of family planning methods, identifying the perceived hindrances to its usage and examined the strategies to improve on the practice of family planning among marked men in Omala LGA. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to test the research hypothesis. The theory of the Health Believe Model was used to buttress the study and by utilizing survey research design, a total of 306 copies of the questionnaire were distributed among the respondents of which 235 copies were completed and returned. The results showed that 51% of the married men in Omala LGA were not aware of modern family planning methods while 34% of the respondents had no access to the utilization of modern family planning methods. The results also revealed that the socio-cultural factors affecting modern family planning methods among married men in the study area were cross-cultural differences, religious beliefs and practices, gender roles, fertility desire and number of living children, childbearing practice, partner discussion and approval. It was found also that reduction in the economic and emotional burden of parenthood, improvements in maternal health and child survival etc were the perceived benefits of modern methods of Family Planning. It was also discovered that the perceived hindrances to the practice of family planning methods included lack of knowledge, limited supplies, high cost of contraceptives, cultural and personal objectives etc. The study further found that adequate sensitization programmes by both health workers and religious organisations should be carried out among their followers on the importance of family planning practice and thereby enhancing their reproductive health. The study concluded that there were significant socio-cultural factors influencing the practice of modern family planning methods in the study area and therefore recommended that the local government through healthcare centres should create awareness programmes as also suggested by the respondents on the use of modern family planning methods in the area.

Understanding the Awareness of Prenatal Genetic Screening Tests Among Pregnant Women in India: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction Genetic disorders pose a significant health challenge in India, with chromosomal abnormalities ranking second only to congenital anomalies in terms of disease burden. Prenatal testing offers a crucial strategy for identifying and managing these disorders. However, the awareness and understanding of prenatal screening tests among pregnant women in India remain understudied. This study aims to fill this gap by investigating the awareness quotient of prenatal screening tests for genetic disorders among pregnant women in India. Methods A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at the Genetics Unit, Department of Anatomy, and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Mangalagiri. Ethical clearance was obtained, and data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire covering demographic characteristics and awareness assessment. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression analysis were employed for data analysis. Results Among the 200 pregnant women surveyed, the majority demonstrated inadequate awareness of prenatal screening tests for genetic disorders, with only 36.5% possessing adequate knowledge. Significant associations were found between awareness levels and factors such as age, trimester of pregnancy, and education level. Notably, awareness about non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) was notably low at 7%, indicating a need for targeted educational interventions. Comparison with international studies revealed varying levels of awareness across different populations, highlighting the influence of socio-cultural factors and healthcare systems. Conclusion This study underscores the need for improved awareness of prenatal screening tests among pregnant women in India. Addressing disparities in awareness, particularly among younger age groups and those with lower education levels, is crucial for informed decision-making in prenatal care. Targeted educational interventions can empower pregnant women to make informed choices, ultimately contributing to better maternal and child health outcomes. Further research should explore the effectiveness of such interventions in diverse settings to enhance prenatal care delivery.

Continuing Bonds in grieving men: A comparative description of Costa Rica and Spain

Continuing Bonds among grieving men from Costa Rica and Spain were compared, with the primary hypothesis that there would be significant differences between the two groups. A descriptive, comparative, and cross-sectional research study was conducted. Non-probability and convenience sampling was employed, involving 227 grieving men who completed an online questionnaire comprising sociodemographic data, mediators of mourning, and the Continuing Bonds Scale. The results did not reveal significant differences in Continuing Bonds expressions. However, upon controlling for the interaction between degree of kinship with the deceased person, notable differences emerged in Continuing Bonds and internalized and externalized Continuing Bonds (p < 0.05). The influence of sociocultural factors in each country on Continuing Bonds expressions is considered. The findings could support the development of strategies centered on grieving men, Continuing Bonds, and their specific needs.

The Effect of Husband Support and Economic Status Level on Exclusive Breastfeeding

The main problem of low exclusive breastfeeding in Indonesia is the influence of socio-cultural factors and lack of knowledge of pregnant women, families, and communities. This study aims to determine the effect of husband support and economic status level on exclusive breastfeeding. This research is quantitative with a cross-sectional approach where this design emphasizes the time of data measurement and observation of both variables. The sample of this study amounted to 57 respondents. The results of the study found that H1 received showed the influence of husband support on exclusive breastfeeding, H2 received showed the power of the level of economic status on exclusive breastfeeding, H3 received husband support and the level of financial quality simultaneously or jointly affected the dependent variable, namely exclusive breastfeeding. It can be concluded that husband support has a natural effect on partial exclusive breastfeeding, the influence of the level of economic status on exclusive breastfeeding, and husband support and the level of financial quality affect exclusive breastfeeding

Study on the Effect of Sociocultural Aspects on Consumer Interest Purchasing Japandi (Japanese-Scandinavian) Household Goods in Indonesian Marke

The Indonesian civilization exhibits a profound historical association with and a high level of familiarity with wood as a material, which shaped Indonesia's sociocultural values. However, with the advancement of civilization and the pervasive impact of Western culture, wood has undergone a transformation, becoming a commodity that is predominantly esteemed for its practical usefulness. The significance of wood as a symbol of diplomatic or social rank has diminished throughout time, particularly in the context of palatial environments. Hence, the primary objective of this research is to investigate the influence of sociocultural factors on the inclination of the Indonesian market to adopt the Japandi (Japanese-Scandinavian) style in household goods such as furniture and home accessory design, which is distinguished by its emphasis on minimalistic aesthetics and practicality. In order to reveal these insights, the researchers used the buying intentions theory combined with quantitative explanatory analysis to clarify the observed phenomena and derive conclusions. Data will be gathered via questionnaires employing random sampling, with a focus on the Indonesian market as the target population. The results of the study indicate that social and cultural elements play a significant role in shaping the intention to buy Japandi (Japanese-Scandinavian) home furnishings in Indonesia.

Influence of Socio-Cultural Factors on Participation of Youth and Women in Management of Rural Sacco’s in Tana River County, Kenya

Influence of Socio-Cultural Factors on Participation of Youth and Women in Management of Rural Sacco’s in Tana River County, Kenya

Socio-Cultural Dynamics and Their Implications on Gender-Based Violence: A Deep Dive into India's Diverse Contexts

This study aimed to explore the influence of socio-cultural factors on gender-based violence (GBV) within the multifaceted societal fabric of India. Recognizing the prevalence of GBV in various forms across the country, the research addressed the underlying social norms, practices, and cultural narratives that perpetuate this issue. Employing a mixed-method approach, the investigation included both qualitative and quantitative data, collecting insights through surveys, interviews, and case studies across different regions in India. The research problem revolved around understanding how deep-rooted cultural dynamics, such as caste systems, religious beliefs, and traditional gender roles, contribute to the persistence and acceptance of GBV. The methodology adopted was designed to offer a comprehensive overview of these complex interactions. Surveys measured the prevalence and attitudes towards GBV, while interviews with survivors, activists, and community leaders provided a deeper understanding of the lived experiences and societal pressures that influence GBV. Findings indicated that GBV in India is a multifaceted problem with roots in historical, cultural, and structural inequalities. There was a clear link between societal norms and the incidence of violence, with certain practices such as dowry and child marriage identified as significant contributors. Additionally, the study found that there is often a gap between existing laws and their implementation, further exacerbating the issue. The conclusion drawn emphasized that GBV in India cannot be viewed in isolation from its socio-cultural context. While legislation and policy efforts exist, they must be strengthened and coupled with societal change for effectiveness. Recommendations include the need for comprehensive educational programs to challenge and change harmful cultural norms, improved legal frameworks, and enforcement mechanisms, as well as increased support systems for survivors. The study advocates for a collaborative approach involving government, civil society, and local communities to address the root causes of GBV and promote gender equality. Keywords: Socio-Cultural Dynamics, GBV, Human rights, Deep Dive, Challenges, Barriers, Policies

'I Hope You Can Rise Again': Linguistic Variation in Online Condolences.

In the wake of tragic events such as the 'Paris Attacks of 2015', the expression of condolences through e-messages has become a common way for individuals to offer support and sympathy to those affected. However, limited research has been conducted on the linguistic aspects of condolence e-messages and how they reflect the speech act of condolence. This study aims to fill this gap by examining the syntactic and pragmatic elements present in these messages. The aim is to understand how the syntactic and pragmatic elements of these messages contribute to the expression of the communicative speech act of condolence. Condolence e-messages were identified and analyzed using an adapted version of Elwood's (2004) coding scheme. The analysis focused on common themes in the condolence sentences, revealing that some linguistic functions were overtly used to express grief. Additionally, specific words such as 'pray', 'love', and 'condolence' were frequently used in conjunction with the expressions of condolence. The findings highlight the influence of sociocultural factors in shaping the norms and variations in the production of speech acts across different cultures. Understanding these linguistic variations can contribute to effective communication and cultural sensitivity in expressing condolences.

Investigation into the Influence of Socio-Cultural Factors on Attitudes toward Artificial Intelligence

AbstractIn this study, the influence of socio-cultural factors on attitudes toward artificial intelligence (AI) was investigated. In total, 1,677 Korean middle school students were selected to participate, and a test tool was used to measure the attitude toward AI. As a result, according to socio-cultural factors, middle school students’ attitudes toward AI were affected differently by gender- or AI-related experiences. In particular, students experiencing difficulties because of socio-cultural factors showed a more positive attitude toward AI if they had an AI education. On the other hand, interest toward AI and programming experience had a significant effect on attitudes toward AI and was not affected by socio-cultural factors. In particular, students with high interest toward AI or experience with block- and text-based programming languages showed significantly positive attitudes toward AI. Hence, the disparity in middle school students’ attitude toward AI according to socio-cultural factors was found.

Understanding acceptability of digital health technologies among francophone-speaking communities across the world: a meta-ethnographic study

IntroductionIncreasingly, people are turning toward digital health technologies to support their care management, communication with health professionals, and performing activities of daily living. Digital health technologies may be well implemented in clinical practices in several jurisdictions, but the influence of sociocultural factors may sometimes be neglected. To increase use and sustainability of these innovative solutions in health care, we need to understand acceptability among diverse groups of the population such as linguistically diverse populations. Francophone-speaking populations in Canada, for example, are known to endure challenges with income, health and difficulties associated with living in rural areas which impede on their likelihood to use digital health technologies. As part of the University of Ottawa International Francophonie Research Chair on Digital Health Technologies, this study aimed to understand the conditions that make digital health technologies acceptable among francophone-speaking communities.MethodsUsing a meta-ethnography methodology, this study synthesizes international qualitative research on social acceptability of digital health technology among francophone-speaking communities. We focused on four types of digital health technologies: telemedicine, mobile technologies, wearable technologies, and robotic technologies. Using Noblit and Hare's 7 phase approach to conducting a meta-ethnography, we were able to get a comprehensive synthesis and understanding of the research landscape on the issue. Studies published between 2010 and 2020 were included and synthesized using NVivo, excel and a mind mapping technique.ResultsOur coding revealed that factors of social acceptability for digital health technologies could be grouped into the following categories: care organization, self-care support, communication with care team, relational and technical risks, organizational factors, social and ethical values. Our paper discusses the themes evoked in each category and their relevance for the included digital health technologies.DiscussionIn discussing the results, we present commonalities and differences in the social acceptability factors of the different digital health technologies. In addition, we demonstrate the importance of considering sociocultural diversity in the study of social acceptability for digital health technologies.ImplicationsThe results of this study have implications for practitioners who are the instigators of digital health technology implementation with healthcare service users. By understanding factors of social acceptability among francophone-speaking communities, practitioners will be better suited to propose and support the implementation of technologies in ways that are suitable for these individuals. For policymakers, this knowledge could be used for developing policy actions based on consideration for diversity.

Transformative effect of intimate partner violence against women based on sociocultural factors trapping women in a violent relationship

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is the most frequent type of violence experienced by women, with devastating consequences for their physical and mental health. Due to exposure of women to the violence, their perceptions and interpretations of the situation may be distorted, making it difficult to leave the violent relationship. Exploring the obstacles that women must confront to verbalize their situation or ask for help is critical in preventing IPV against women (IPVAW). For this purpose, two studies were implemented: Study 1 included a focus group of seven victims of IPVAW and Study 2 included 550 women (n = 258 suffering IPVAW and n = 292 not suffering IPVAW). In Study 1, women reported that perceptions (e.g., minimization of the situation), interpretations (e.g., justifying the aggressor), and feelings (e.g., guilt) were the main obstacles in leaving a violent relationship. Study 2 revealed that participants who suffered IPVAW obtained lower scores in perceived severity, and attribution of responsibility to the aggressor, as well as higher scores in feelings of embarrassment and guilt than those who had not suffered IPVAW. No significant differences were found in risk assessed and feelings of fear. These findings highlight the serious consequences of exposure to IPVAW, requiring the implementation of preventive programs to address the distortion of reality due to the aggressor’s manipulation, as well as the influence of sociocultural factors on the construction of women’s roles in relationships.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Cigarette Smoking among South African Adolescents and Young Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocol.

Tobacco use, particularly the initiation of smoking during adolescence and young adulthood, represents a significant public health concern in South Africa. The influence of socio-cultural factors, marketing strategies of the tobacco industry, and accessibility of tobacco products have all been implicated in this context. This systematic review and meta-analysis protocol aims to scrutinise the body of literature on this issue, providing a comprehensive understanding of the patterns and determinants of tobacco use among South African adolescents and young adults, with an eye towards informing more effective policy interventions. The available literature for studies on tobacco use will be systematically searched and reviewed. Five international scholarly databases, namely PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Global Health, and Scopus, will be searched. Peer-reviewed studies will be included if they are conducted in South Africa or South African provinces and if they include the prevalence of tobacco use among adolescents and young adults aged between 12 and 24 years. The results of such an analysis can guide future policy designs, enabling them to be more targeted and thus more effective. The findings can also have implications for shaping global tobacco control strategies, given the transferability of successful interventions across different populations and cultural contexts. This protocol has been registered in the PROSPERO database (ID: CRD42023428369).

Some peculiarities of using information and digital technologies when translating diplomatic materials

Digitization is being actively established in all spheres of social activity, transforming traditional ways of creating, distributing and analyzing information. Diplomatic activity has not become an exception in the processes of actualization of the digital space, gradually involving ICT tools in its practice. The study is focused on highlighting the implementation of digital innovations in diplomacy under the conditions of permanent influence of socio-cultural factors. The modern world is dynamic and developing at a high speed; therefore the trends of promotion or hindrance to digitization, which is used directly in the translation of diplomatic texts, change rapidly depending on many factors (socio-political, socio -economic, cultural, etc.). The purpose of the study is to understand the effectiveness of the use of information and digital technologies in the translation of diplomatic texts. The need for new media, translators and means of translation is noted, which will be in demand under the conditions of total globalization and informatization of the current socio-cultural space. Digitization has demonstrated the expediency of its use in diplomatic activity in general, so it is evident that this process will be extended to highly specialized clusters, including the translation of diplomatic texts. The research methodology is based on a combination of the use of general scientific and scientific-linguistic methods, due to which a comprehensive study of digitization algorithms in diplomatic translation was carried out. In addition, a scientific-synergistic approach is actively used, which ensures interaction between digital, linguistic, diplomatic and cultural-historical dimensions, which are actualized in scientific intelligence. Elements of novelty of the research focus on the interpretation of information and digital technologies in the context of their involvement in the process of diplomatic translation. Conclusion. Therefore, the ICT segment is actively gaining positions in diplomatic activity, fully meeting the trends of modern socio-cultural development. In a practice-oriented environment, diplomatic translation activities successfully use online resources to improve the quality and availability of translated materials. However, the digital segment is positioned as an auxiliary element or an alternative to traditional translation models, using a wide range of digital tools: online translators, artificial intelligence, interactive dictionaries, etc

An up-to-date look at the options for transforming the plot of delusional ideas (literature review)

The article discusses the relevance of studying the variants of transformation of stories, plots, and themes of delusional ideas in the structure of mental disorders under the influence of sociocultural factors. Delusional ideas related to the KGB activities, the Internet use, a clinical case of «delusions of coronаvirus self-contempt», and delusional ideas that arose under the influence of religious motives are given as an example.

Association of sociocultural stressors with bipolar disorder onset in Puerto Rican youth growing up as members of a minoritized ethnic group: results from the Boricua Youth Longitudinal Study

The development of bipolar disorder is currently explained by a complex interaction of genetic and environmental factors. Less is known regarding the influence of sociocultural factors. This study aims to evaluate the incidence and impact of sociocultural factors on bipolar disorder onset in two comparable samples of youth growing up in different social settings. We leveraged data from two urban population-based cohorts representative of Puerto Rican children growing up in either San Juan (Puerto Rico) or the South Bronx (NYC) and followed up for 17 years. Bipolar disorder diagnoses were based on retrospective self-reports on the World Health Organization Composite International Diagnostic Interview. We used a causal inference approach to estimate associations of sociocultural factors with bipolar disorder onset after adjusting for potential confounders. We found that South Bronx children, who grew up as a minoritized group, had twice the risk of bipolar disorder onset as young adults, with an incidence rate of 2.22 new cases per 1000 person-years compared to 1.08 new cases in San Juan (incidence rate difference, 1.13; 95% CI, 0.09-1.20). After adjusting for potential confounders, South Bronx children had the same lifetime hazard of bipolar disorder onset compared to San Juan children. However, our analysis demonstrated that caregivers' exposure to societal cultural stress partially explained the increased risk of bipolar disorder onset in the South Bronx, in addition to the potential contribution of genetics. Our results provide evidence that societal cultural stress can increase the risk of lifetime bipolar disorder onset in youth growing up as a minoritized group. Addressing stress in minoritized groups might reduce the risk of bipolar disorder onset. The Boricua Youth Study has been supported by the National Institutes of HealthMH56401, MH098374, DA033172, and AA020191. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the article.

The Influence of Accounting Students' Perceptions of the Auditor's Work Environment and Socio-Cultural Factors on Their Career Choices as Auditors

This study aims to determine (1) the effect of accounting students' perceptions of the auditor's work environment on their career choices as auditors, (2) the influence of socio-cultural factors on their career choices as auditors, (3 Effects of accounting students' perceptions of the auditor's work environment and socio-cultural factors on the auditor's work environment). career choice as an auditor. This type of research is descriptive quantitative using a questionnaire method. The results show that (1) the work environment has a significant effect on career choice as an auditor. (2) socio-cultural factors have a significant effect on career choice as an auditor. (3) work environment and social value factors simultaneously influence career choice as an auditor.