Influence Of Sociocultural Factors Research Articles

Body image perception and self-esteem among undergraduate medical students in Nanded, Maharashtra

Abstract Introduction: Body image is the perception and attitude one holds toward one’s own body, especially, but not exclusively, one’s physical appearance. The promotion of positive body image improves people’s quality of life and behaviors related to health. Social factors, sociocultural influences, media pressure, and the pursuit of an ideal body, associated with accomplishments and happiness are among the causes of changes in the perception of body image, leading to dissatisfaction. There is very less literature on these topics among males and also medical students. Objectives: To assess body image perception and the influence of sociocultural factors on it and self-esteem among undergraduate students of a medical college. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 192 undergraduate medical students of a medical college from June 2021 to September 2021 using a predesigned pretested self-administered questionnaire in English. Results: Out of 200 students included in the study the mean age of study subjects was 19.78 ± 1.39 years, of which,107(56%) were males and 85(44%) were females. The 192 students were classified as Underweight (27(14%)), Normal weight (78(41%)), Overweight (43(22%)) and Obese I (44(23%)) according to Asian WHO BMI classification. BISS scores (which measure body image satisfaction) were the median of the six items after reverse-scoring the three positive-to-negative items which were found to be 5.5(4-7) and 53% of students showed body image dissatisfaction. 33% (63 students) of students have thin/low body fat internalization and about 77(40%) have muscular/athletic internalization.54(28%) students mostly agree about family pressure to attain the ideal appearance, 53(28%) feel pressure from peers and 75(39%) mostly agree with influence of media to attain ideal appearance. Out of the 192 students,124(64%) showed normal self-esteem, 63(33%) with low self-esteem, and 5(3%) with high self-esteem as per Rosenberg’s self-esteem score. A statistically significant association was found between BMI and body image perception and also between Body image perception with sociocultural attitudes toward the appearance and self-esteem of students. Conclusion: Body image dissatisfaction affects young students. In this study, about 53% of the students showed body image dissatisfaction. This perception of self has mainly been influenced by media (39%), family pressure (28%), and peer pressure (28%). Also, 33% of the students have low esteem with a significant association between Body image perception and self-esteem.

The Influence Of Sociocultural Factors On Stunting Incidents (Qualitative Studies In Rural)

The Influence Of Sociocultural Factors On Stunting Incidents (Qualitative Studies In Rural)

Exploring Sociocultural Influences Affecting Body Image in Survivors of Childhood Sexual Assault.

This phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of survivors of childhood sexual assault, their meaning making process of the assault, and how messages from their sociocultural environment affected their relationship with, and perception of, their bodies. Utilizing a social constructivist framework, the research team interviewed eleven (n = 11) participants from a variety of backgrounds who were gender assigned female at birth and had survived childhood sexual assault (CSA). Four major themes emerged from the narratives collected. These include sociocultural impacts which included four subthemes: family relationships, peer relationships, societal and environmental influences, and cultural and ethnic influences; meaning making of the critical event, i.e., childhood sexual assault; self-perception of their bodies; internal processes that have shaped their perceptions and meaning making, i.e., thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Findings indicate major influence of sociocultural factors in shaping participant's internal processes as survivors of CSA, meaning making, and subsequently self-perceptions of, and relationship with, their bodies. We discuss CSA and body image keeping the intersectionality of the individual, their experiences, and the impact of sociocultural contexts on that intersectionality.

Individual’s experiences of adjusting to changes in body image after spinal cord injury: a literature review and thematic synthesis

Purpose To understand how individuals experience and adjust to changes in body image after spinal cord injury (SCI). Methods A systematic search using four databases identified eleven articles that met the inclusion criteria. The studies were critically appraised to determine quality. Interpretative thematic synthesis was used to explore adults’ experiences of adjusting to changes in body image after SCI. Results Three themes described the influence of sociocultural factors on body image: ‘Sociocultural influences’, ‘Responses of others’ and ‘Experience of rehabilitation’. Six themes described individuals’ experiences of body image. ‘Loss and threat of difference’, ‘Discomfort and disconnection’ and ‘Resistance’ negatively influenced body image. ‘Reconnecting with the body and re-negotiating identity’, ‘Support network’ and ‘Challenging beliefs about disability’ promoted positive body image. Adjustment was a dynamic process, influenced by interactions between individual, relational and sociocultural factors. Conclusions The physical impacts of SCI, individual’s perceptions, relationships and sociocultural discourses influenced body image. Rehabilitation professionals could support adjustment to changes in body image by considering individual, relational and systemic influences. Furthermore, it is important to include an individual’s support network within their care as social factors influenced body image experiences. Peer support could promote hope and challenge negative sociocultural beliefs about disability.

Influence of Socio-cultural Factors in Solid Waste Generation in Bida Town

Influence of Socio-cultural Factors in Solid Waste Generation in Bida Town

Influence of socio-cultural factors on hepatitis B infection in Mombasa County, Kenya

Background: The hepatitis B virus (HBV) is responsible for causing a communicable liver disease that can be prevented through vaccination. Although the HBV vaccine was introduced in Kenya’s expanded immunization program in 2003, the incidence of HBV remains high in the country, especially among IDUs. Objective was to investigate the influence of socio-cultural factors on HBV infection in Mombasa County, Kenya. Methods: The study utilized a cross-sectional analytical design. The study was purposely conducted in Mombasa County because the area is highly prevalent with drug users and people with hepatitis B. There are eight treatment centers in the county, 4 public and 4 privates where stratified random sampling was used. The sample size was proportionately distributed across the selected treatment centers. The study employed a mixed method of data collection, involved; self-administered questionnaire to the IDU’s, key informant interviews and focused group discussion with treatment care managers. Results: The prevalence of hepatitis B was 22%; with male (77.1%) most affected than women (22.9%). Bivariate analysis show that a history of drug abuse was significantly associated with prevalence of hepatitis B (χ2=2.485, df=1, p=0.046). Conclusions: The prevalence of hepatitis B is on the increase among injecting drug users. Having a history of drug abuse was a significant predictor to the prevalence of hepatitis B among injecting drug users in this study. Cultural practices such as piercing and tattooing were observed among study participants were established as a risk factor to hepatitis B infection among injecting drug users.

U.S. health professionals’ perspectives on orthorexia nervosa: clinical utility, measurement and diagnosis, and perceived influence of sociocultural factors

PurposeThis study examined U.S. health professionals’ perspectives on the clinical utility, measurement, and etiology of orthorexia nervosa (ON).MethodsParticipants (n = 100) were U.S. health professionals with experience working clinically with eating disorders, including trainees, Ph.D. psychologists, social workers/mental health counselors, and medical health professionals. After reviewing the proposed ON criteria, participants responded to questions regarding the clinical utility, diagnosis, and measurement of ON, and sociocultural influence on the emergence of ON. Views of ON as a useful diagnostic category were examined as a function of participants’ current involvement in clinical versus research activities.ResultsParticipants mostly (71.9%) agreed that ON should be a distinct clinical diagnosis. Participants who endorsed ON as a valid diagnosis spent more time on clinical work and less time engaged in research compared to participants who disagreed (both ps < 0.05). Approximately 27% of participants believed additional components should be added to the proposed ON diagnostic criteria. Participants indicated that sociocultural factors have considerable influence on the development of ON, namely the diet and weight loss industry, and the perceptions that biological/organic/vegan and low fat/low carb/gluten free food are the healthiest.ConclusionProfessionals who spent more time working clinically with eating disorders were more likely to endorse ON as a unique disorder, and professionals who spent more time on research were more likely to disagree. To the extent that professionals who spend more time on research may shape the narrative around ON more visibly, this study underscores the importance of listening to practitioners' experiences in applied settings.Level of evidence: Level V: Opinions of authorities, based on descriptive studies, narrative reviews, clinical experience, or reports of expert committees.

Evolution of discussion topics on an online depression self-help group

PurposeThis study aims to explore the evolutionary pattern of discussion topics over time in an online depression self-help community.Design/methodology/approachUsing the Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) method, the authors analyzed 17,534 posts and 138,567 comments posted over 8 years on an online depression self-help group in China and identified the major discussion topics. Based on significant changes in the frequency of posts over time, the authors identified five stages of development. Through a comparative analysis of discussion topics in the five stages, the authors identified the changes in the extent and range of topics over time. The authors discuss the influence of socio-cultural factors on depressed individuals' health information behavior.FindingsThe results illustrate an evolutionary pattern of topics in users' discussion in the online depression self-help group, including five distinct stages with a sequence of topic changes. The discussion topics of the group included self-reflection, daily record, peer diagnosis, companionship support and instrumental support. While some prominent topics were discussed frequently in each stage, some topics were short-lived.Originality/valueWhile most prior research has ignored topic changes over time, the study takes an evolutionary perspective of online discussion topics among depressed individuals. The authors provide a nuanced account of the progression of topics through five distinct stages, showing that the community experienced a sequence of changes as it developed. Identifying this evolutionary pattern extends the scope of research on depression therapy in China and offers a deeper understanding of the support that individuals with depression seek, receive and provide online.

Influence of Socio-Cultural Factors on Performance of Donor-Funded Livelihood Projects, Lakezone Ward Turkana County, Kenya

Influence of Socio-Cultural Factors on Performance of Donor-Funded Livelihood Projects, Lakezone Ward Turkana County, Kenya

Социально-демографические и психологические предикторы миграционных установок учащейся молодежи Сибирского региона (на примере школьников г. Омска)

The aim of the study was to search for the main factors and predictors of the formation of migration attitudes of Siberian schoolchildren living in the city of Omsk. The materials of an empirical study performed on students of secondary educational institutions in Omsk in the amount of 351 people (the majority (66.9 %) are studying in grades 9-10), of which 198 (56.4 %) are girls and 153 (43.6 %) %) boys, mean age 15.37 years. Research methods: testing and questioning, comparative method. Gender, ethnic, family and environmental differences in the formation of migration attitudes were found. Russian boys from complete families demonstrate the greatest desire for settled life, girls, schoolchildren from single-parent families and those who consider themselves to be other nationalities demonstrate high migration attitudes. Statistically significant influence is exerted by dispositional factors: attitude towards the native city, attitudes of relatives about the migration of the respondent, career attitudes (orientation towards the stability of the place of residence reduces the desire for migration, and increases the desire for management and service). A high level of emotional and hedonistic well-being contributes to a decrease in migratory attitudes. Thus, the significance of the influence of socio-cultural factors that act through the formation of certain attitudes regarding the life trajectory as a whole, among which migration attitudes are a concretized embodiment of the individual's plans and a way to achieve broader life goals, is proved. The results can be useful in organizing targeted socio-psychological and educational activities of an educational and preventive nature aimed at preventing the outflow of specific groups of young people from the region, taking into account their socio-demographic and personal characteristics.

East-west disparities in safer sex inside China: a sociocultural perspective.

This study responds to the increasing rate of HIV/AIDS and unplanned pregnancies among Chinese college students from a sociocultural perspective, and investigates the influences of sociocultural factors in shaping sex-related beliefs and acts among Chinese college students. An online survey was conducted on a purposive sample of 1286 female college students in four cities in east and west China. Significant east-west disparities have emerged in the rate of sexual intercourse experience, rate of safer sex, conservative sexual values, authority sex education, unofficial sex knowledge access and HIV knowledge. A higher rate of sexual activity, but lower rate of safer sex, were found among the students in the west relative to those in the east. This study demonstrates that in a large country, such as China, regional disparities in economy, social development and sexual norms are salient to affect individuals' sexual behaviours.

Analysis of The Influence of Socio-cultural Factors on Education of the Girl-child in Mubi Education Zone of Adamawa State, Nigeria

This study investigated the influence of socio-cultural factors on the girl-child education in Mubi Education Zone of Adamawa State, Nigeria. The study was a causal comparative research by design. The population of the study comprised all the female students of secondary schools in the five Local Government Areas of Mubi Education Zone. From the population, four out of the five Local Government Areas of the Education Zone were sampled using balloting method of simple random sampling technique and from each; two secondary schools were also randomly selected making a total of eight schools. Then from each of the eight secondary schools, fifty female students were sampled making a total of four hundred students. Three research questions and four hypotheses were postulated for the study. A set of structured questionnaire was the instrument used for the data collection where the data was analyzed using t-test statistics and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). From the results of the findings of the study, it revealed that: socio-cultural factors contributed significantly to the influence of girl-child education in the zone; the challenges facing the girls to some extent differ between rural and urban areas; there was significant difference between the mean scores of the factors hindering the girl-child education based on religion; just to mention but a few. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that there is the need for cross cultural, interfaith and social integration as a way of encouraging parents to bring education to the doorstep of the girl-child in Nigeria; that the government and other stakeholders especially in women affairs in the study area should endeavour to constantly promote positive socio-cultural integration by preaching peaceful coexistence among people of differently socio-cultural background; and ways of creating favourable conditions which can discourage societal preference for male children and the traditional belief that the position of a woman is in the kitchen.

Understanding the Influence of Socio-Cultural Factors in School Drop Out of Girls: A study in two districts of Madhesh Province, Nepal

This paper sheds light in understanding the socio-cultural determinants for school dropout among adolescent girls in Dhanusha and Rautahat districts of Nepal. This study employed a mixed method approach to explore the reasons for dropout. The finding derived a conclusion that discriminatory gender norms, and traditional beliefs and practices lead girls to drop out. The research suggests traditional beliefs regarding women as wives with majority of the domestic responsibilities and early marriage limit their educational opportunities. Additionally, restricted mobility and lack of autonomy, and menstrual stigma also leads to school dropout. This study therefore aims to illuminate the importance of understanding these underlying factors in order to work towards creating a supportive environment that promotes girls’ autonomy, and agency within their household, and communities.

The influence of the socio-cultural environment on entrepreneurial activity

The analysis of other scientific publications showed that the sociocultural environment is a multifaceted concept. It consists of a cultural and social environment, which are interdependent. Social and cultural are mutually dependent, which means that the social cannot exist without the cultural, and the cultural cannot exist without the social. In general, the social and cultural environment can be reduced to factors arising from human behavior, which is a dialectical unity of physiological and social behavior. Entrepreneurial activity is carried out in a certain socio-cultural environment, such an environment has a corresponding influence on it. It is important for entrepreneurs to understand that the key features of the development of the economy and economic institutions are formed under the influence of socio-cultural factors. Entrepreneurs are driven by the interest to maximize their profit. It should be noted that the achievement of this goal depends on the entrepreneur's ability to identify social needs and satisfy them. A lifestyle is formed through the prism of the socio-cultural environment. Entrepreneurs must take this into account in the course of their activities. It was determined that the existence of different cultural traditions can lead to misunderstandings and poor cooperation between members of the work team. Accordingly, knowledge of these differences, the ability to manage them helps to establish normal work in the team. Changes in sociocultural factors can last for years. However, some of them change faster and more dynamically, for example, thanks to the development of technologies, the political situation, the pandemic. Sociocultural factors have an impact on creative entrepreneurship, and at the same time, creative entrepreneurship improves the sociocultural environment. In the process of research, the factors of the socio-cultural environment were selected, to the change of which entrepreneurs should first of all respond. These factors include culture, habits, beliefs and values, population size and growth, age composition, household and family structure, wealth and social class, ethnicity, and geographic factors. It has been established that a new socio-cultural space is emerging in Ukraine today.

Socio-cultural factors on girls’ performance in Mathematics in the Kenya certificate of secondary education in Kathiani sub-county, Machakos county, Kenya

Introduction: In Kenya, Mathematics is a vital subject that is taught as a compulsory subject in basic education and as an optional subject at the tertiary education level. However, its performance by female students in Kenya has been lacking and especially at the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (K.C.S.E) examination. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of socio-cultural factors on girls’ performance in Mathematics in K.C.S.E examination in Kathiani Sub- County. In particular, the study examined the location of the school and the teachers’ competence in Mathematics as the main variables. Methodology: This study used descriptive survey design that answers the questions how, what, when, and where about the phenomenon under investigation. The target population included all secondary schools for girls in Kathiani sub-County. The total enrolment of the girls constituted of the target population of the study. The target population of the study comprised of 1804 girls, 87 Mathematics teachers, and 32 principals of secondary schools. Results: The researchers established that students’ who moved least distance daily performed well compared to those who moved long distances. The study also established that teachers who are trained with high grades have been observed to produce students with good grades when compared to teachers who train to be teachers with lower grades. Recommendations: The study recommended that adequate measures should be put in place to have day schools at close proximity of the students. In addition, instructors should develop their own pedagogical methods that would meet the students’ needs for them to excel in the subject.

Associations between caregiving status, acculturation, and psychological distress in a diverse sample.

Increasingly diverse caregiver populations have prompted studies examining culture and caregiver outcomes. Still, little is known about the influence of sociocultural factors and how they interact with caregiving context variables to influence psychological health. We explored the role of caregiving and acculturation factors on psychological distress among a diverse sample of adults. Secondary data analysis of the California Health Interview Survey (CHIS). The 2009 CHIS surveyed 47,613 adults representative of the population of California. This study included Latino and Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) caregivers and non-caregivers (n = 13,161). Multivariate weighted regression analyses examined caregiver status and acculturation variables (generational status, language of interview, and English language proficiency) and their associations with psychological distress (Kessler-6 scale). Covariates included caregiving context (e.g., support and neighborhood factors) and demographic variables. First generation caregivers had more distress than first-generation non-caregivers (β=0.92, 95% CI: (0.18, 1.65)); the difference in distress between caregivers and non-caregivers was smaller in the third than first generation (β=-1.21, 95% CI: (-2.24, -0.17)). Among those who did not interview in English (β=1.17, 95% CI: (0.13, 2.22)) and with low English proficiency (β=2.60, 95% CI: (1.21, 3.98)), caregivers reported more distress than non-caregivers. Non-caregivers exhibited the "healthy immigrant effect," where less acculturated individuals reported less distress. In contrast, caregivers who were less acculturated reported more distress.

The Influence of Socio-Cultural Factors on Knowledge-Based Innovation and the Digital Economy

The knowledge economy, fostered by knowledge-based innovation, has been linked to entrepreneurial and economic success, especially in OECD countries. Studies have shown the influence of socio-cultural factors on almost every area of economic behavior. However, few studies have attempted to connect these factors to the knowledge economy. Our research bridges this gap. We investigated the impact of socio-cultural factors on knowledge-based innovation, then we also examined whether digitalization impacted knowledge-based innovation, regardless of the influence of socio-cultural factors. Using official data from Russia’s statistical office, we developed a correlation regression model using a linear graphical test and Pearson correlation. Our results show that certain socio-cultural factors significantly influenced knowledge-based innovation. We also found that digitalization could mitigate the negative effects of socio-cultural factors. Digitalization had a positive influence on knowledge-based innovation across all regions and socio-cultural characteristics. Our research provides pioneering analysis of the topic within post-Soviet economies and has huge implications for business practice, policy making, and academic research.

Silent Mourning: Infant Death and Caring for Iranian Parents Under the Influence of Religious and Socio-cultural Factors.

Despite all theadvances in healthcare technology and all thecare services in the field of neonates, many infants die in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). This qualitative study investigated socio-cultural factors influencing the care for bereaved parents in three main NICUs of northwest Iran between March 2018 and April 2019. The purposeful sampling method with the maximum variation was used, and data collection was continued until obtaining rich data to answer the research question. Twenty-eight interviews were conducted with 26 healthcare providers. The thematic analysis method was applied to analyze the data, and two main themes, including "Religious context as a restriction on the parental involvement in the infant's end-of-life care" and the "Socio-cultural challenges of the grieving process among parents", were generated accordingly. The religious and socio-cultural contexts in the NICUs of Iran are a restriction to the presence of parents at their infants' end-of-life phase, and health care providers are less inclined to have parents in the NICU at the time of infant death.

The Influence of Socio-Cultural Factors on Oocyte Donors' Motivations and Disclosure Decisions

The study focuses on the motivations of Russian oocyte donors and the socio-cultural factors affecting these motivations. We conducted 16 semi-structured interviews with actual or prospective oocyte donors. All of them were patients of two fertility clinics located in the city of Yekaterinburg (Russia) planning to become oocyte donors within the period from 2 weeks to 3 months. We built a profile of a Russian oocyte donor: it is a 26-year-old married woman with at least one child; she has a secondary vocational education and a low income. All the women in our study displayed multiple motivations: apart from the interest in a financial reward and purely altruistic motivations, for many women the decisive factor is their desire to help their friends or relatives struggling with infertility. Interestingly, almost all of our respondents described their decision to donate as an attempt to move past a traumatic situation they once endured and to achieve closure by doing something really important and good. For many women, oocyte donation becomes a way to boost their self-esteem, to feel more significant and to promote their personal autonomy. As for barriers to donation, one of the most important is associated with the donors' unwillingness to make their identity known and to share this information even with their close circle of friends and relatives. For the majority of donors, anonymity is crucial. The disclosure of this information, in their view, will cause controversy in the donor's family and immediate circle of friends at present and will threaten their privacy in the future. The prospective donors are also concerned about the negative public attitudes or lack of understanding.

SOCIO-CULTURAL FACTORS THAT AFFECT THE ORAL HEALTH OF ADOLESCENT (SYSTEMATIC REVIEW)

Background: Oral health is a key indicator of overall health, well-being and quality of life. It covers a wide range of diseases and conditions that include dental caries, periodontal disease, tooth loss, oral cancer, oro-dental trauma, normal and birth defects such as cleft lip and palate. Social culture that affects dental and oral health include socio-economic, lifestyle, gender and culture. Methods: This study uses a systematic review method on research articles that examine socio-cultural factors that affect dental and oral health with a quantitative approach. Search articles through Google Scholar and PubMed Journal, with keywords “social” “culture” “dental health” “teenagers”. Articles published from the last 10 years from 2012 to 2022 in Indonesian and English. Results: Search results for articles found (n = 6,745). From the search results after filtering based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, 13 articles were found that matched the influence of socio-economic factors, lifestyle, gender and culture. Conclusion: This study explains the influence of socio-cultural factors including socio-economic factors, lifestyle, gender and culture.