Mental Attitude Research Articles

Healthy and Efficient Voice Use Awareness in Amateur Group Singers: A Multi-Sensory Self-Assessment Protocol Trial

ABSTRACT Group singing is beneficial for health and well-being but many new clients presenting in the singing teaching studio come from choir backgrounds and with established voice problems. Amateur group singers do not usually receive individual feedback on their singing efforts, so there is a need to establish a self-monitoring procedure. This qualitative inquiry involved purposive sampling of 18 amateur choir singers trialing a self-assessment (SA) protocol for three weeks. A pre-trial and post-trial online questionnaire was completed to assess the impact of the SA protocol on singing behaviors. Three follow up online interviews were conducted to further interrogate the processes experienced by participants. Post-trial results revealed an increased awareness of healthy and unhealthy singing habits evidenced by changes in thinking and mental attitude, and in behavior and practice improvement. Visual and aural self-assessment were easiest for participants to employ with kinesthetic self-assessment being the most difficult. Choir leaders need to continue to educate the singers in their care concerning vocal health and efficiency and encourage self-assessment during singing and speaking acts. Individual singers in an amateur setting must be encouraged to become independent learners, taking responsibility for their vocal health through self-monitoring procedures.

The threat of three-fold failure: ‘low attainers’ in English primary schools

Recent education research raises concerns about the damage low attainment designation can do to pupils’ self-worth but there has been little detailed exploration of the dynamics of this. Using in-depth interview data, this article explores how four pupils experience and respond to their low attainment, and their struggles to maintain their self-worth. It identifies three pressures they experience: the pressure to perform academically, to assume full responsibility for this performance and to maintain a positive mental attitude. I suggest that these can usefully be seen as forming a triangle of mutually reinforcing pressures that can put ‘low attainers’ in an impossible position where they feel shamed, blamed and stigmatised for their low attainment while expected to deny or overcome the distress this can cause them.

Mental Health Literacy and Attitude Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help Among Iranian Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study

Mental Health Literacy and Attitude Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help Among Iranian Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study

Personal Resources and Expectations and Health Behaviors Among Solid Organ Transplant Recipients—A Multicenter Study

BackgroundThe long-term success of organ transplantation (Tx) depends on the transplant recipient's ability to self-manage symptoms, treatment, lifestyle changes, and psychosocial consequences. Health behavior (HB) determinants include personality traits such as optimism, self-efficacy, and health locus of control. PurposeAssessing the relationship between personal resources and expectations and health behaviors of organ transplant recipients. Material and methodsThe study was conducted between 01/04/2018 and 30/10/2019 at 3 transplant centers in Poland. The study group consisted of 243 Tx recipients of kidney, heart, liver, and lung. The Health Behavior Inventory, Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (MHLC), General Self-Efficacy Scale, Dispositional Optimism Scale, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were used to collect data. FindingsThe study group had medium levels of dispositional optimism (mean 15) and high levels of self-efficacy (mean 30.18). The MHLC scale was dominated by a belief in the influence of others and an internal locus of control over one's health. The respondents presented a high level of HB (mean 92.09). A positive relationship was found between personal resources (self-efficacy and optimism), MHLC and HB. The presence of depression and anxiety negatively affected personal resources and internal locus of health control and HB in terms of a positive mental attitude. Type of Tx differentiated internal locus of health control and HB. Predictors of HB were dispositional optimism, self-efficacy, influence of others with health locus of control, symptoms of depression, age and time since transplantation-explaining between 6.1% and 14.5% of health behavior categories. ConclusionsTo improve health practices among organ recipients, strengthening their personal resources is recommended. It is necessary to form an internal locus of control for adherence to positive HB.

Satisfaction with Life and Health Behaviours in Pre-Seniors and Seniors: A Cross-Sectional Cohort Study

Background: Satisfaction with life is considered the best indicator of the quality of life of older people and is commonly used as an indicator of adaptation and successful aging. The objective of this study is to evaluate the quality of life and health among pre-seniors and seniors in Płock, Poland, focusing specifically on the interplay between life satisfaction and health outcomes. Methods: The study encompassed a total of 2040 individuals, categorized as pre-seniors and seniors. A diagnostic survey method was employed, utilizing a questionnaire that gathered sociodemographic data and incorporated two standardized psychometric scales: the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) and the Health Behaviours Inventory (HBI). Results: A majority of respondents demonstrated high levels of life satisfaction, with 1272 people (62.4%) scoring in the high range. In contrast, a smaller group, consisting of 299 respondents (14.7%), reported low satisfaction levels. Notably, men exhibited higher life satisfaction than women (p < 0.001). Additionally, a statistically significant but low correlation was found between the age of respondents and various aspects of the health behaviour index. This includes preventive behaviours (p < 0.001, r = 0.105), health practices (p < 0.001, r = 0.243), proper eating habits (p = 0.004, r = 0.063), and a positive mental attitude (p < 0.001, r = 0.098). These findings underline the complex interplay between age, life satisfaction, and health behaviours among the senior population. Conclusions: High life satisfaction and average to high levels of health behaviours were observed in our study, varying with gender and age. Individuals aged 61–75 reported the highest life satisfaction, whereas those aged 76–90 exhibited the most robust health behaviours. These results underscore the need for age- and gender-specific health policies and programs supporting sustainable aging, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals. Further national research is essential to comprehensively explore these trends and support global well-being initiatives for aging populations.

Attitudes and knowledge toward mental disorders among healthcare providers in psychiatric departments

IntroductionStigma towards mental health disorders is an issue standing in the way of healing and integrating the patient into the social life. Stigmatising does not only come from the general population but also from health care providers. Studies found out that lack of knowledge and skills among health care professionals is associated with stigmatization, which affects the attitudes and the patient’s treatment process.ObjectivesThe main aims of this study were to evaluate the attitudes and knowledge about mental health among nurses and psychiatry residents working in psychiatric departments, to explore the relationship between knowledge and attitude toward mental health and to find out the possible link with sociodemographic and work characteristicsMethodsA cross-sectional questionnaire was conducted in two departments of psychiatry at RAZI hospital focusing on nurses and psychiatrist trainees. The sociodemographic informations, duration and choice of working in psychiatric field, personal experience with mental illness were collected .The Mental Health Knowledge Questionnaire (MHKQ) and the mental illness clinicians attitude scale (MICA-4 )were used to evaluate the participants mental health knowledge and attitude towards psychiatry and people with mental disorders .Results A total of 30 health care providers finished the questionnaire. Their median (± interquartile range) age was 29 (±9) years within a range of 25 to 60 years old. Our participants were predominantly female (N = 26; 86.7%). The overall median of MHKQ scale was 10 (±6) with a higher score in psychiatrist trainees than nurses but no significant difference was found (p= 0.066) However there was a significant difference between the two groups regarding the MICA scale (p=0.02) with a negative attitude found in the group of nurses . Participants with no personal experience with mental illness along with those who were obliged to work in psychiatric facilities tend to have higher score on the MICA scale with significant statistically relationships, respectively, p =0.18 and p=0.09 We didn’t find any statistically significant relationship between the total scores of the MICA and MHKQ scales ( rho = -0.206, p = 0.275)Conclusions In our study negative attitude toward mental disorders were found in the group of nurses. Education about mental health disorders as well as addressing the importance of mental health outcomes must be included in the first year training of every healthcare provider. New strategies Focusing on improving the knowledge and skills among healthcare professionals are important to make due to their positive effect on the recovery.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Item Test Analyze of Entrepreneurship Readiness Instrument for Vocational School Students in East Java Indonesia

Vocational High Schools (SMK), recognized as a solution to address unemployment in Indonesia, simultaneously face the challenge of having the highest open unemployment rate (TPT) compared to other educational levels, standing at 10.38%. Enhancing the quality of questions assessing entrepreneurial readiness is a pivotal approach in tackling this issue. Various factors contribute to students' preparedness for entrepreneurship. This study aims to identify these components by surveying 176 respondents. Employing the Entrepreneurial Readiness Test and analyzing it through Classical Test Theory (CTT) and the Rasch Analysis Model, the research revealed that entrepreneurial mental attitude, risk-taking ability, creativity, motivation, and entrepreneurial skills significantly influence students' readiness for entrepreneurship. The analysis yielded IMS (Infit mean-square) scores ranging from 0.88 to 1.17 and OMS (Outfit mean-square) values between 0.86 to 1.35, indicating a fit for all 50 items in the entrepreneurial readiness test.

Using Delphi method to address factors contributing to aggressive behaviour in mental health settings.

WHAT IS KNOWN ABOUT THE SUBJECT?: Nurses' perspectives and consensus on the possible key factors contributing to aggression at inpatient units can be summarized into patients' related factors, staff related factors and environment related factors. Results of the possible factors contributing to aggression at inpatient units reflect the complicated nature of this problem. WHAT THE PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE: Perspectives of nurses as frontline mental health professionals on factors contributing to aggression as one of the psychiatric emergencies were considered through an iterative process. This approach gave nurses an opportunity to revisit their own views in each round to provide an in-depth reflection in the light of the contribution of others. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR MENTAL HEALTH NURSING PRACTICE?: Nursing curricula should focus on nurses' communication skills and emotion regulation training. An open dialogue between nurses and people with mental health issues should be initiated to discuss the possible key factors contributing to aggressive behaviour at inpatient units from both standpoints. Mental health nurses' turnover at inpatient settings could be targeted through the design and implementation of aggression prevention protocols ABSTRACT: Introduction Aggression at inpatient units is a universal problem leading to hazardous outcomes. Aim To generate group consensus about factors contributing to aggressive behaviour among patients with mental health issues at inpatient units. Methods Nurses working at inpatient psychiatric departments were approached, and purposive sampling was employed to implement Delphi technique. A total of three Delphi rounds were conducted online. The average percent of majority opinions method was followed to measure consensus in which questions with a cut-off rate below 69.7% were included in the next round. Results Twenty-one nurse experts with different skills participated in this study. Consensus increased among nurse experts across rounds for the following items: Patients' misinterpretation of the attitude of the healthcare providers, severity of mental health issues, attitude and communication style of the healthcare providers, nurses limited emotional regulation capacity and the inadequate staff-patient ratio in psychiatric wards. Discussion The complicated nature of aggressive behaviour displayed by people with mental health issues is reflected on the results of the current study; patients' related factors, staff related factors and environment related factors constitute interacting facets for this issue. Implications for Mental Health Nurses Nurse scientists could use insights derived from this study to design studies aiming at assessment and management of aggression at inpatient units guided by implementation science frameworks. Additionally, open dialogues between nurses and people with mental health issues could be initiated about factors contributing to aggression at inpatient units. Mental health nursing training should focus on nurses' communication and emotion regulation skills.

الصحة النفسية وعلاقتها بالاتجاه نحو العمل لدى السوريين العاملين في القطاع الصحي داخل سوريا وخارجها

يهدف البحث الحالي إلى الكشف عن العلاقة بين الصحة النفسية والاتجاه نحو العمل، لدى عينة من العاملين السوريين في القطاع الصحي المقيمين داخل سوريا وخارجها خلال انتشار فيروس كورونا المستجد. وتعرَّف دلالة الفروق في الصحة النفسية والاتجاه نحو العمل تبعًا للمتغيرات: مكان الإقامة، والجنس، والمهنة. شملت عينة البحث (211) طبيبًا وممرضًا، بواقع (132) من العاملين السوريين في القطاع الصحي داخل سوريا، و(79) من العاملين السوريين بالقطاع الصحي في دول الخليج: (قطر23، والإمارات 35، والسعودية 21). استخدمت الباحثة مقياس الصحة النفسية (عبد الخالق، 2016)، واستبانة الاتجاه نحو العمل من إعدادها. أظهرت النتائج وجود علاقة إيجابية دالة إحصائيًا بين الصحة النفسية والاتجاه نحو العمل. كما بيَّنت عدم وجود تأثير دال إحصائيًا للتفاعل بين الجنس ومكان الإقامة والمهنة في الصحة النفسية، باستثناء وجود فروق في الصحة النفسية تبعًا للجنس والفرق لصالح الذكور. وكذلك أظهرت عدم وجود تأثير دال إحصائيًا للتفاعل بين الجنس ومكان الإقامة والمهنة في الاتجاه نحو العمل، باستثناء وجود فروق في البُعدين الوظيفي والمادي تبعًا لمكان الإقامة، والفرق لصالح السوريين المقيمين خارج سوريا؛ ووجود فروق في البُعدين المادي والصحي تبعًا للمهنة، والفرق لصالح الممرضين؛ ووجود تأثير دال للتفاعل بين مكان الإقامة والجنس والمهنة في البعد المادي، والفرق لصالح الممرضين الذكور المقيمين خارج سوريا.

Exploring the connection between ego-resiliency and health behaviors: a cross-sectional study of Polish health sciences students.

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between ego-resiliency and the intensity of health behaviors among Polish health sciences students. The study involved 483 students from health-related faculties in southern Poland, consisting of 314 women (63.7%) and 179 men (36.3%). The average age of the participants was 21.7 ± 2.5 years. To assess resiliency (ER), the Ego-Resiliency Scale (ER89-R12) by Block and Kremen was used in its Polish adaptation. The intensity of health behaviors was examined using the Health Behavior Inventory (HBI) developed by Z. Juczyński. The results revealed a positive correlation between the intensity of health behaviors and ER (r = 0.43, p < 0.001), both for the general factor and its categories (positive mental attitude, proper eating habits, preventive actions, and prohealth activities). Students with a high level of health behaviors exhibited significantly higher ER (M = 38.95, SD = 5.15) compared to those with average (M = 35.93, SD = 5.03) and low (M = 32.97, SD = 5.12) HBI levels. Among the HBI categories, Positive Mental Attitude showed the strongest correlation with both general ER and its factors: optimal regulation (OR) and openness to life experiences (OL). Furthermore, the correlation was found to be stronger with the OR and weaker with OL. Higher ER in students is correlated with a greater frequency of health behaviors. Nurturing the development of ER may contribute to the maintenance of prohealth practices despite life difficulties and temporary loss of motivation. This, in turn, promotes the regularity of health behaviors, which is crucial for their positive impact on overall health.

Sosialisasi Pengembangan Pembelajaran Berbasis Masalah Berbantuan Geogebra Meningkatkan Kemampuan Berpikir Kritis di SMP 1 Parulian Medan

This community service aims to: (1) Provide education and training regarding Geogebra-assisted learning development to training participants (teachers), (2) Increase motivation and good mental attitude, to develop their own teaching modules. This community service was carried out at SMP1 Parulian Medan. The partner in this activity is SMP Parulian 1 Medan. The methods in this community service are: (1) Analyzing the situation and needs, (2) After analyzing the situation and needs, the next step is to set PKM objectives, (3) Designing training, mentoring and workshop models, (4) Expert validation, (5) Implementation, (6) Evaluation The results of this activity include: (1) the participants understand and can create teaching materials in the form of modules, worksheets, (2) the participants' motivation to create their own teaching modules increases.

From homeless to home: issues and challenges of housing continuity in Klang Valley, Malaysia

Purpose This paper aims to discuss the issues and challenges related to housing continuity for individuals transitioning from homelessness to securing a place to live in Klang Valley, Malaysia. The aim of the study is to explore the problems and solutions in the context of housing policy, particularly as they pertain to homeless households. The study involves conducting in-depth interviews with various stakeholders involved in helping homeless households find shelter and access to public housing. Design/methodology/approach The research methodology comprises a comprehensive literature review encompassing housing affordability, affordable housing and homelessness both within Malaysia and globally to identify research gaps. One of the key questions highlighted the effectiveness of existing programs aimed at providing short-term shelter and social integration for homeless individuals. Additionally, it highlights one of the primary challenges in this process, which is the tendency of homeless individuals to return to homelessness due to various factors. The data collection uses a qualitative approach and the data are obtained through in-depth interviews with key stakeholders responsible for assisting homeless households in Klang Valley, Malaysia, encompassing federal, state and local government representatives. Purposive sampling ensures diverse stakeholder representation. Interviews are structured semi-structured to maintain consistency while allowing for open-ended discussions on challenges and successes in facilitating homeless individuals' transition to stable housing. Thematic analysis of transcribed interview data focuses on recurring themes related to housing continuity, affordability and homeless households' behavioural patterns. Findings There are five (n = 5) stakeholders consist of local government (Code: R1), ministries (Code: R2; R5) and government agencies (Code: R3; R4). The study revealed that various programs have been implemented to provide short-term shelter and facilitate the integration of homeless individuals into society. Nevertheless, a significant challenge identified was the recurring tendency of homeless households to return to homelessness. This “behavioural direction” was found to be influenced by multiple factors which includes mental health and attitude problem. The findings emphasise the need for collaborative efforts among all stakeholders to address the issues and challenges related to housing continuity in Klang Valley. Originality/value The originality of this research lies in its focus on the specific and under-researched context of Klang Valley, Malaysia, regarding the critical issues of housing affordability and the challenges of housing continuity for homeless households. While housing affordability and affordable housing are widely recognised as global housing policy concerns, this study delves into a localised setting where limited attention has been given to understanding the transitions of homeless individuals to stable housing. The findings provide unique insights into the efforts and challenges faced in Klang Valley, shedding light on the behavioural patterns and factors contributing to recurring homelessness. This paper offers a context-specific perspective that contributes to the broader understanding of housing continuity issues.

Changes in mental rigidity and attitude to one's body during treatment of adolescent girls suffering from anorexia nervosa

The authors, considering domestic and foreign studies of cognitive rigidity/flexibility and ideas about one's own body in anorexia nervosa, note the practical lack of research on both dynamics and ideas about the existence and nature of the connection between these psychological characteristics of girls suffering from anorexia nervosa. The object of the study was psychological characteristics, namely, mental rigidity, cognitive flexibility and the attitude of teenage girls suffering from anorexia nervosa to their bodies. The subject of the study was the change in the level of rigidity/flexibility and negative attitude towards one's body, as well as their relationship during inpatient treatment of anorexia nervosa. Objectives of the study: to identify changes in the characteristics of mental rigidity and attitude to one's body, as well as in the nature of the relationship between cognitive rigidity, flexibility and attitude to the body from the beginning to the end of inpatient treatment of adolescents suffering from anorexia nervosa. Teenage girls (13-17 years old) with a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa participated in the study conducted at the Center for the Study of Eating Disorders (CIRP) in Moscow. Used: the classic J. R. Stroop test, a simplified version of the Tomsk rigidity questionnaire, a questionnaire of cognitive flexibility, a questionnaire "Attitude to one's body". A factor analysis of the relationship of the studied parameters was carried out. A special contribution of the authors of the study is proof that a negative attitude towards one's body in anorexia nervosa, both at the beginning and at the end of inpatient treatment, positively correlates with a high level of rigidity and a low level of flexibility, as well as the fact that the nature of this relationship fundamentally changes from the beginning to the end of inpatient treatment. The novelty of the study lies in the discovery that from the beginning to the end of inpatient treatment, a shift in the psychological problem occurs: low cognitive flexibility, as well as the inability to identify with one's body, cease to be the main problem, and a negative assessment of the attractiveness of one's body for oneself comes to the fore, which at the end of inpatient treatment should become a specific target for psychotherapeutic work. The practical significance of the study lies in the fact that it allows to identify the targets of psychological work (psychotherapeutic, correctional, rehabilitation) and their change from the beginning to the end of inpatient treatment.

Empowering Education: Unveiling The Transformative Potential of Pedagogical Competence for Educator and Learners

Paper writing aims to explain the empowering education unveiling the transformative potential of pedagogical competence for educator and learners. Pedagogics is a science that discusses education, namely the science of children's education. So pedagogic explains the ins and outs of children's education, pedagogic is a theory of children's education. Pedagogics as a science is needed by teachers. The task of the teacher is not only to teach to convey or transform knowledge to students at school, but the teacher has the task of developing the personality of his students in an integrated manner. The teacher develops the child's mental attitude, develops the child's conscience or the child's heart so that the child will be sensitive to humanitarian issues, human dignity, as well as the teacher only develops children's skills, life skills in society so that he is able to face all the problems of his life. Conclusion in writing papers: pedagogy competence is a set of knowledge, skills, and behaviors that must be possessed, lived and mastered by teachers or lecturers in carrying out professional duties. This type of research uses qualitative research by means of researchers conducting observations, interviews and documentation with key informants and supporting informants, namely, teachers and students at the Muhammadiyah Kendari Private High School, and the novelty of the results of this research will be useful for the development of science, especially related educational sciences. how teachers and lecturers must master pedagogical competence, social competence, personality competence and social competence. Conclusion: pedagogical competence has a central role in shaping quality and relevant education. The transformative potential of pedagogical competence not only enriches students' learning experiences, but is also the key to the sustainability and success of the education system in the future. Therefore, continuous efforts in developing and strengthening pedagogical competence need to be implemented as a long-term investment to improve the quality of education.

The moderating role of intrinsic religiosity in the relationship of stressors and job performance: Evidence from Indonesia

Job performance is the ability to complete work according to predetermined standards. Stressful conditions at work can make job performance worse. An individual’s intrinsic religiosity can weaken these stressful conditions. This study aims to empirically prove the influence of challenge and hindrance stressors on job performance and examine whether intrinsic religiosity can moderate this influence. This paper uses the method of administering online questionnaire surveys by distributing Google Form links to the eligible respondents without conducting the interview. It employs a non-probability sampling design with a purposive sampling method, in this case, judgment sampling. The criteria for selecting respondents are individuals who have the status of full-time employees and work in state-owned and private-owned organizations in the cities of Indonesia. This study proved all hypotheses. Higher challenge stressors result in higher job performance. At the same time, higher hindrance stressors result in lower job performance. Further, intrinsic religiosity weakens the positive influence of challenge stressors on job performance. Individuals who are always attached to God will use work as a means to please God. The characteristics of these individuals are having a positive mental attitude so that they are always ready and calm in facing various work situations and view work as a calling. Also, this study proves that the negative influence of hindrance stressors on job performance is weaker in people with intrinsic religiosity. Ambiguous job descriptions, conflicts, or excessive work are no longer burdensome. AcknowledgmentThis study is funded by the Faculty of Economics and Business, Pelita Harapan University, award number 023/P-ORP-FEB/I/2024.

Evaluating mental health awareness and attitudes among international students in Japan during the COVID-19 pandemic

ObjectivesInternational students in Japan face unique mental health challenges stemming from cultural and linguistic differences, potentially accentuated by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, research on the mental health of this demographic is scarce. This study aims to describe their mental health status, awareness of mental health resources, and attitudes toward seeking mental health support. MethodsThis study conducted analyses based on data collected though an online survey at a national university in Japan during October and November 2022. International students were surveyed about their mental health status, awareness, and attitude. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were employed to examine the associations between survey responses and demographic variables. ResultsAmong the 116 surveyed participants, 6.9% reported experiencing poor mental health, 16.4% rated their mental health as fair, and 1.7% expressed uncertainly about their mental health status. Similarly, 4.3% indicated poor physical health, 21.6% rated their physical health as fair, and 0.9% expressed uncertainty about their physical health. Additionally, 16.4% felt that their mental health adversely affected their daily life and academics, and 12.1% believed that their physical health had a similar negative impact. Awareness of mental health resources was notably low, with only 25.9% of students being informed. Furthermore, limited awareness was observed among older students (χ2 = 8.176, p < 0.01), degree-seeking students (χ2 = 4.727, p < 0.05), and those from African countries (χ2 = 4.721, p < 0.05), compared to their counterparts. A total of 10.4% expressed reluctance to pursue informal mental health support, and 9.5% showed similar reservations about seeking formal support. ConclusionThe study underscores the critical need for targeted outreach and the development of accessible, culturally sensitive mental health interventions for international students in Japan. Enhancing awareness and accessibility of mental health resources can contribute to the wellbeing of this demographic, potentially improving academic outcomes and fostering a more inclusive, supportive environment for international students, thereby advancing international collaboration and understanding.

Relationship between the Image of Psychology and Professional Mental Health Help-Seeking Attitude among Middle School Students: The Moderating Role of Urban or Rural Sources

Relationship between the Image of Psychology and Professional Mental Health Help-Seeking Attitude among Middle School Students: The Moderating Role of Urban or Rural Sources

Barriers to accessing mental health services among medical students at Imam Mohammed Ibn Saud Islamic University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of anxiety and depression among medical students, their attitude towards consulting mental health providers, the barriers they face in seeking mental health support and the relationships between anxiety and depression with demographic factors and attitudes. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among medical students, using validated questionnaires to assess levels of anxiety and depression, attitude towards mental health services, and barriers to seeking help. Anxiety and depression were evaluated using GAD-7, and PHQ-9 questionnaires. Statistical analyses were performed to explore associations between mental health conditions, demographic factors, and attitude towards mental health services. Results: The study found that 46.4% of students experienced minimal anxiety. Regarding depression, 42.7% reported minimal symptoms and 4.4% had severe depression. Despite these high levels, 85.7% had never consulted a mental health provider. Major barriers included academic pressure (45.8%), concerns about confidentiality (30.7%), and feeling that problems were not significant enough (42.2%). Significant associations were found between higher levels of anxiety and depression with being female, younger age, and living alone. Additionally, students experiencing higher levels of anxiety and depression were more likely to recognize the need for mental health services. Still, they often did not seek help due to the identified barriers. Conclusion: The prevalence of anxiety and depression among medical students was significant, yet the utilization of mental health services remained low due to various barriers.

Essentialist Identity and Political Instability in Africa: The Role of John Rawls Veil of Ignorance

Africa has a complex history of conflicts that spans centuries and is shaped by a variety of factors, including colonialism, ethnicism and tribal tensions, economic disparities, and political instability. These factors have led to the continuous underdevelopment of Africa. At the root of this political instability is essentialist approach to Identity. A situation where individuals solely pitch their loyalty to their ethnic group rather than the common good. The “Them versus us” mindset. This study sets to primarily answer two questions: how does the essentialist approach to identity cause political instability in Africa? How can John Rawls concept of the Veil of Ignorance help in mitigating this situation? Hence, the paper, through the method of critical analysis, examines the history of political instability in Africa, with a particular focus in Nigeria. It reveals that essentialist approach to identity in Africa has been the major propelleant of political instability. This births a situation where leaders who are incompetent remain at the corridors of power even when they grossly underperform, simply due to their affiliation to a tribe or faith with a population advantage. Also, through a hermenutical analysis of John Rawls’ concept of the Veil of Ignorance, the paper reveals that the concept, given its advocacy for a mental attitude that deemphasizes differences and focuses on the common good, can serve as an effective tool in mitigating against political instability in Nigeria and Africa at large.

Analisis Produktivitas Kerja Pegawai Dalam Meningkatkan Pelayanan Prima di Bagian Sumber Daya Manusia Rumah Sakit Umum Pusat Dr. Sardjito

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; This study aims to analyze the level of employee productivity in the Human Resources Section of the Central General Hospital (RSUP) Dr. Sardjito in improving excellent service to the community. The type of research used in this research is descriptive qualitative with a case study approach. Data collection techniques through interviews, observation, and documentation. Data analysis uses the Miles and Huberman model through data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The results of this study indicate that the quantity of work shows that the workload that has been assigned to employees in the HR Department is still uneven between employees. The quality of work produced in the form of output has not been optimal in the delegation of authority. In terms of timeliness, it is by the main tasks and functions of each but the additional workload makes the resulting output less than optimal. Factors affecting employee work productivity include a motivating mental attitude, competent employees, production facilities, technology utilization, and career paths.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;