National Representative Sample Research Articles

Association between perceived olfactory dysfunction and all-cause mortality in Chinese adults: A prospective community-based study.

Olfactory dysfunction has been suggested to be associated with all-cause mortality. Yet, there is a lack of large-scale cohorts to study this relationship. Using data from the Kailuan cohort, we assessed 97 327 Chinese adults for perceived olfactory dysfunction at baseline and gathered mortality data from government records. We used Cox proportional hazards regression models to analyse the risk of all-cause mortality associated with perceived olfactory dysfunction, yielding hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) with adjustment for multiple potential confounders. Over a median follow-up of 6.4-year, we recorded a total of 3903 deaths. Individuals reporting perceived olfactory dysfunction had a higher risk of mortality (adjusted HR = 1.42; 95% CI = 1.02-2.00) compared to those without the dysfunction. In sensitivity analyses, we found similar results after excluding participants with pre-existing obesity, cardiovascular diseases, those younger than 50 years old, individuals diagnosed with cancer or stroke during follow-up, and those who died within two years of follow-up. Perceived olfactory dysfunction was associated with a high risk of all-cause mortality among Chinese adults. Our study is limited by failure to include a national-representative sample and misclassification of exposure assessment due to use of a subjective question to assess olfactory dysfunction. Further studies with objective are warranted to replicate our findings and understand the underlying mechanisms.

Beyond Dichotomy: Understanding Violent Offending and Victimization Among Immigrant Youths

ABSTRACT Research has suggested a pattern of lower levels of crime and victimization among first-generation immigrants than subsequent generations. A distinct drawback of most previous research is its focus on the premise of immigrants as either aggressive offenders or submissive victims. Little is known about the co-occurrence of these roles among immigrant groups. Using a longitudinal, national representative sample of school-aged adolescents in the U.S. this study provides an empirical assessment of how generational differences in violent offending and victimization vary when the victim-offender is considered a group separate from victim only and offender only. The findings of this study shed light on our understanding of the often-understudied topic of the victim – offender overlap among immigrant adolescents and can help identify specific targets for anti-violence/victimization intervention and prevention programs.

Service Quality and Patient Satisfaction of Internet Hospitals in China: Cross-Sectional Evaluation With the Service Quality Questionnaire.

Internet hospitals, which refer to service platforms that integrate consultation, prescription, payment, and drug delivery based on hospital entities, have been developing at a rapid pace in China since 2014. However, assessments regarding their service quality and patient satisfaction have not been well developed. There is an urgent need to comprehensively evaluate and improve the service quality of internet hospitals. This study aims to investigate the current status of patients' use of internet hospitals, as well as familiarity and willingness to use internet hospitals, to evaluate patients' expected and perceived service qualities of internet hospitals using the Chinese version of the Service Quality Questionnaire (SERVQUAL-C) with a national representative sample, and to explore the association between service quality of internet hospitals and patients' overall satisfaction toward associated medical platforms. This cross-sectional survey was conducted through face-to-face or digital interviews from June to September 2022. A total of 1481 outpatient participants (635 men and 846 women; mean age 33.22, SD 13.22). Participants reported their use of internet hospitals, and then rated their expectations and perceptions of service quality toward internet hospitals via the SERVQUAL-C, along with their demographic information. Among the surveyed participants, 51.2% (n=758) of participants had used internet hospital service or services. Use varied across age, education level, and annual income. Although the majority of them (n=826, 55.8%) did not know internet hospital services well, 68.1% (n=1009) of participants expressed the willingness to adopt this service. Service quality evaluation revealed that the perceived service quality did not match with the expectation, especially the responsiveness dimension. Important-performance analysis results further alerted that reliable diagnosis, prompt response, clear feedback pathway, and active feedback handling were typically the services awaiting substantial improvement. More importantly, multiple linear regressions revealed that familiarity and willingness to use internet hospital services were significant predictors of satisfaction, above and over tangibles, reliability, and empathy service perspectives, and demographic characteristics such as gender, age, education level, and annual income. In the future, internet hospitals should focus more on how to narrow the gaps between the expected and perceived service quality. Promotion of internet hospitals should also be facilitated to increase patients' familiarity with and willingness to use these services.

Limited Congruence: Citizens’ Attitudes and Party Rhetoric About Referendums and Deliberative Practices

Both citizens and political parties refer to novel participatory practices in the contemporary crisis of representative democracy. Survey data indicate a growing demand for such practices within the electorate, while political parties have also begun discussing them more frequently. However, previous studies on citizens’ attitudes and parties’ discourse on democratic innovations rarely speak to each other. It remains unclear whether citizens’ attitudes and parties’ discourse are congruent. This article seeks to address this gap in the literature and analyses the extent to which political parties reflect citizens’ attitudes towards referendums and citizens’ deliberation in their manifestos. We cover 15 political parties in Germany and the UK. Our analysis uses party manifesto data between 2010 and 2024, and data from surveys conducted on national representative samples. Our findings reveal that political parties and citizens rarely have congruent approaches towards referendums and deliberative practices. People’s enthusiasm about referendums is hardly reflected in parties’ rhetoric, but the latter reacts gradually to the public appetite for deliberation. There are visible differences between opposition parties and those in government.

Impact of household income on acute decompensated heart failure outcomes: national representative sample

Abstract Background The clinical outcomes of ADHF have been extensively studied; however, the impact of household income still needs to be better understood. This study aimed to elucidate the relationship between household income and outcomes in patients with ADHF. Methods This national retrospective cohort study used data from the 2016-2020 National Inpatient Database, focusing on patients admitted with ADHF. We stratified the cohort into two groups based on the median household income: below $50k and above $86k. The selection criteria included patients aged ≥ 18 years diagnosed with ADHF, excluding those with incomplete income data. The primary outcome was all-cause inpatient mortality, with a length of stay (LOS) and total hospital charges as secondary outcomes. Statistical analysis employed logistic and linear regressions adjusted for confounders, with the significance level set at p<0.05. We accounted for missing data using multiple imputation analyses. Results 1,123,024 patients admitted with ADHF met the inclusion criteria. We divided the groups into two cohorts: low-income (64%, N=718,735) and high-income (36%, N=404,289). No increase in mortality was identified (adjusted aOR: 1.05; p = 0.212). The study revealed that high-income patients had marginally longer average LOS (5.62 days vs. 5.35 days, p < 0.0001) and higher hospital charges ($62,512.46 vs. $49,440.14, p < 0.0001) compared to their low-income counterparts. Low-income patients exhibited a higher prevalence of hypertension and obesity, whereas high-income individuals were more affected by atrial fibrillation and hyperlipidemia (hypertension and obesity, p < 0.0001; atrial fibrillation, p < 0.0001). Conclusion In this national retrospective cohort of patients admitted for ADHF over five years, income did not affect mortality. However, LOS and total charges were affected by the median household income.

Prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance in 20 European countries

Abstract Our study aimed to analyze the prevalence and socio-economic factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy using individual data from representative national samples of 20 European countries. Data from round 10 of the European Social Survey, collected from May 2021 to September 2022, were analyzed. Prevalence (with a 95% confidence interval (CI 95%)) of participants’ intention to get vaccinated against COVID-19 was calculated. Crude differences in vaccine hesitancy proportions across sociodemographic strata were assessed using the Chi-square test. There were 31,771 adult participants (46.0 % men). The percentage of those hesitant (i.e. those who were not already vaccinated and intended not to be) toward the COVID-19 vaccine was 18.0% (CI 95% 17.6 - 18.4). Men and women were equally hesitant (18.0% vs. 18.0%, p = 0.93). There were differences between those under 40 (22.9%), adults between 40 and 59 (18.1%), and those over 60 (14.3%, p < 0.001). The unemployed had a higher proportion of hesitancy (32.9%) compared to the employed (17.4%), retirees (14.8%), and students (21.1%, p < 0.001). People living in rural areas have higher levels of hesitancy compared to those in urban areas (19.3% vs. 17.3%, p < 0.001). The estimates indicate that the highest prevalence of vaccine hesitancy was in Bulgaria (61.6%), Slovenia (40.4%) and Slovakia (30.7%), while Iceland (2.3%), Portugal (3.6%) and Italy (4.0%) had the lowest. Our study confirms high prevalence and high variability of hesitancy towards COVID-19 vaccines in Europe and identify groups for potential targeted interventions.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on lifestyle’s behaviours of school-aged children in Portugal

Abstract Background COVID-19 pandemic impacted children’s daily routines. Based on this, WHO Collaborating Centre for Nutrition and Childhood Obesity in collaboration with WHO Regional Office for Europe coordinated the study about the impact of COVID-19 on lifestyle’s behaviours of school-age children in Europe, where 17 Member States participated, including Portugal. Methods Cross-sectional study was conducted within the sixth round of COSI Portugal, following a WHO common methodological protocol, during 2021-2022 school year. A national representative sample of families with children 6-8 years old were included and asked to report on variables comparing two periods: pre and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results 5139 families participated. 11.4% reported a worsening of their perceived wealth and the percentage of fathers and mothers working full- or part-time decreased (74.6% to 68.7% and 70.6% to 59.6%, respectively) during pandemic. Children’s consumption of sweets (19.4%), savoury snacks (13.8%), fruit (11.9%) and vegetables (7.1%) increased, and sugary soft drinks (13.8%) decreased during pandemic. Family behaviours with the highest increases during pandemic were “eating together as a family” (35.4%), “cooking meals together with your child” (33.6%), “buying food in large quantities” (33.6%) and “eating home-cooked meals” (29.1%). Approximately, one in four parents reported children’s physical activity decreased and almost one in two reported an increase in recreational screen time. Parents who perceived their child as overweight during pandemic doubled (f7.9% to 14.6%). Children’s well-being behaviours that worsened more during pandemic were “having fun with friends” (44.3%), “got on well at school” (27.9%), “feel full of energy” (23.8%) and “feel fit and well” (22.2%). Conclusions These observations underscore the need to “build back better” post-pandemic with a focus on preventing and controlling childhood obesity and its determinants. Key messages • Portuguese children experienced negative impacts of the pandemic in their lifestyle behaviours, particularly on their physical health and well-being, with a report of a poorer socioeconomic situation. • This study and its findings give us a first-of-its-kind view into the physical and mental outcomes of the pandemic on school-aged children with a focus on the long-term, high-risk disease of obesity

Limited critical and communicative health literacy is related to poorer health among older adults

Abstract Background Health literacy-related challenges are expected to increase with age due to a discrepancy between individual capacity and health care demands. Knowledge about associations between health literacy and age-related health outcomes among older adults is scarce. This is important to address and promote optimal health in older adults. The study aims to investigate the association between health literacy and health status among older adults and explore differences between the younger old and the oldest old adults. Methods Cross-sectional study using SWEOLD population-based data from 2022, a national representative sample of people 77+ years in Sweden. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis assessed associations between communicative- and critical health literacy and health outcomes. Models were adjusted for age, sex, and socioeconomic status, and stratified by age. Results Significant adjusted associations were found between inadequate and problematic health literacy and less than good self-rated health (OR 2.64, 95%CI: 1.61-4.33; 2.11, 95%CI: 1.40.3.17), and requiring assistance with medicine management (OR 5.26, 95%CI: 2.67-10.38, 2.14, 95%CI 1.08-4.22). Among the younger old (77-84 years) inadequate and problematic HL was associated with having lifestyle-related conditions (OR 1.77, 95%CI: 1.07-2.93, 2.75, 95%CI: 1.33-2.71). Among the oldest old (85+), inadequate health literacy was associated with higher likelihood of poor activities of daily living (ADL) (OR 4.48, 95%CI: 1.99-10.07) and frailty (OR 3.51, 95%CI: 1.43-8.47). Level of frailty increases earlier in age for individuals with limited HL than among those with sufficient HL. Conclusions Limited health literacy is a prevalent issue in the older population and is associated with negative health-related outcomes. To mitigate development of poor health and frailty and to promote healthy ageing, care organisations need to meet the needs of this population in a health literacy friendly way. Key messages • Limited health literacy among the older population is associated with several negative health-related outcomes. • Care organisations need to work actively to mitigate the development of poor health while promoting healthy aging among the older population in a health literacy-friendly and age sensitive manner.

Sanitation ladder in rural and urban India: can subsidy from the Swachh Bharat Mission ensure transition to safely managed toilets?

ABSTRACT The Swachh Bharat Mission, globally the biggest public programme to support sanitation, has focused on subsidised construction of household toilets in rural areas, while aiming for solid waste disposal and behavioural changes in urban areas. In spite of that, India witnesses a huge gap from the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to usage of safely managed sanitation associated with more environment-responsive technology and hygiene management. The Joint Monitoring Programme (2017) created a hierarchical sanitation ladder identifying categories of toilets, namely, safely managed, basic, limited, unimproved, and open defecation. This study attempts to contribute to the existing literature by locating the empirical estimation of the sanitation ladder in India across both rural and urban settings, using nationally representative unit-level National Sample Survey Office data (2018). Results find that only 38% of urban and 6% of rural households in India use safely managed toilets. Also, using logistic regression, the study posits that receiving subsidy for toilet construction can significantly improve usage of safely managed toilets along the ladder only among the poorest class of urban India and the factor is generally more potent in rural areas. The findings identify that there is hardly any benefit in subsidizing the middle-income class and hence highlight a need to redesign the subsidy-driven sanitation policy.

Self-compassion improves barrier self-efficacy and subsequently physical activity: A test of longitudinal mediation using a representative sample of the United Kingdom.

Self-compassion, which directs the awareness of suffering, sympathetic concerns and caring motives towards oneself, is an important psychological quality and resource for health and well-being. In the context of physical activity, self-compassion can help individuals overcome obstacles, recuperate from a setback or a lapse and engage in regular physical activity. The present research was the first to examine the longitudinal effects of self-compassion on physical activity and the mediation role of barrier self-efficacy of such effects. We recruited a national representative sample of 654 UK adults and followed them over three timepoints across 9 months. At each time point, participants completed an online survey assessing levels of state self-compassion, barrier self-efficacy and physical activity behaviours. We examined the longitudinal effects of self-compassion on physical activity and the mediation role of barrier self-efficacy. Baseline state self-compassion consistently correlated with physical activity levels at Times 2 and 3. Barrier self-efficacy at Time 2 mediated the longitudinal effect of baseline state self-compassion on Time 3 physical activity, after controlling for within- (e.g., Time 1 on Time 2 self-compassion) and between-person variations (e.g., covariance of self-compassion and physical activity within a timepoint). Adopting a self-compassionate mind facilitates engagement and maintenance of physical activity. Future studies could consider accelerometer-based physical activity measures and develop and validate a more context-specific state self-compassion measure tailored for physical activity contexts. Researchers and practitioners should consider incorporating self-compassion to future interventions and education programmes for promoting physical activity.

Association Between Disability and Suicide Mortality in the Spanish Community-Dwelling Adult Population. A Population-Based Follow-Up Study.

To assess the association of disability with suicide mortality, separately for women and men by age group. Information was obtained from a representative national sample of 161,809 community-dwelling adults (≥18years). Participants contributed to follow-up time from baseline interview (2008) until suicide, death by other causes, or 2017. We calculated, by sex, standardized suicide mortality differences (SSMD), comparing persons with and without disabilities standardized to sociodemographic distribution of disability population. 29 women died by suicide during 800,754 person-years follow-up and 97 men during 735,709 person-years. Among women with disabilities, SSMD (95% Confidence interval) per 100,000 person-years at 5years was 54.4 deaths (-17.2 to 126.1) [100.0 (-27.4 to 227.4) in women <65years and -4.8 (-27.3 to 17.7) in women ≥65 years (P homogeneity = 0.11)]. Among men, SSMD increased by 122.2 deaths (4.1 to 240.3) [37.2 (-40.2 to 114.6) in men <65years and 74.7 (-51.8 to 200.5) in men ≥65years (P homogeneity = 0.62)]. Suicide risk was higher in women and men with disability. In women higher risk was only notable for those <65. Men presented similar effects in both age groups. Nevertheless, due to imprecision of estimates, results should be viewed cautiously.

Impact of Adoption of European Kidney Consortium Equation (EKFC) on CKD Prevalence and CKD Staging in Older Irish Adults

Abstract Background The Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation tends to overestimate glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and has limitation in younger and older age groups, while the European Kidney Function Consortium (EKFC) full-age spectrum (FAS) correct for these problems and provide better performance in estimating GFR. We compared the 2017 EKFC- FAS(Scr-CysC) equation with 2012 CKD-EPI(Scr-CysC) for estimating CKD prevalence and staging in a national representative sample of older Irish adults. Methods We utilised data from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (2009-2011), for participants aged 50 to 79 years with complete measurement of serum creatinine (Scr) and Cystatin-C (CysC). Using 2017 EKFC- FAS(Scr-CysC) and 2012 CKD-EPI(Scr-CysC), equations eGFR was calculated. CKD was defined as eGFR below 60 ml/min/1.73 m². Median eGFR, CKD prevalence, concordance correlation coefficient (CCC), and impact of EKFC equation on GFR category reclassification was examined. Results A total of 5,092 participants (53.3% women), median age 61 years were included. CKD prevalence varied significantly from 10.8% (9.9% – 11.8%) using 2021 CKD-EPI (Scr -CysC) to 16.7 % (15.5-17.9%) with the 2017 EKFC- FAS(Scr-CysC) equation. The corresponding numbers of CKD increased from 114,867 to 176,439 individuals respectively. The median eGFR for 2021 CKD-EPI (Scr -CysC) was 82.1 ml/min/1.73m2 and 2017 EKFC- FAS(Scr-CysC) was 74.5 ml/min/1.73m2, P&amp;lt;0.001). The net reclassification was 23.1 % based on 2017 EKFC- FAS (Scr-CysC) equation compared to CKD-EPI 2012 (Scr -CysC) and was towards more worsening CKD stage. The CCC between 2012 CKD-EPI(Scr-CysC) and 2017 EKFC- FAS(Scr-CysC) was 0.88 (95% CI, 0.88-0.89). Conclusion CKD prevalence varies according to eGFR equation with substantially higher numbers of CKD predicted by the European Kidney Function Consortium than CKD-EPI equations. This has direct implications on healthcare planning, resource allocation, and rates of referral to specialist nephrology services in Ireland.

Reducing strain on primary healthcare systems through innovative models of care: the impact of direct access physiotherapy for musculoskeletal conditions—an interrupted time series analysis

ObjectivesTo evaluate the longitudinal impact of introducing a national, direct access physiotherapy model of care on the rates of primary and secondary care consultations for musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions.DesignInterrupted time series...

Suicidal ideation in the year following diagnosis of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: A longitudinal perspective

IntroductionSuicidal ideation (SI) is common in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) who have longstanding illness. Prevalence of SI in the weeks to months following diagnosis is unknown, as are factors associated with SI, and whether SI ‘settles’ over time for newly diagnosed individuals. MethodsWe investigated SI in the FutureMS cohort, a nationally-representative relapsing-remitting MS sample (n = 440) recruited within weeks of diagnosis. SI was considered soon (‘baseline’; median 60 days) and 12 months after diagnosis. A validated mood screen classified individuals SI/non-SI. We analysed associations of clinico-demographic variables with SI and change in SI status. ResultsSI was present in 12.8 % (95 % CI = 0.10, 0.16) at baseline. Those with SI had greater disability and were more likely to be anxious, depressed, fatigued, report toileting difficulties and spasms. In regression analysis, baseline SI was associated with anxiety (p < 0.001) and depression (p = 0.002), though 16 % of those reporting SI scored just ‘mild’ for depression. At 12 months, 9.6 % (95 % CI = 0.07, 0.13) reported SI, non-significantly different than baseline. Individuals with poorest SI outcomes over 12 months had greater unemployment, disability, anxiety, depression, fatigue, toileting difficulties and spasms, but in regression analysis no variable was individually associated with SI change. LimitationsSI is complex but measured in this study by single-item question. ConclusionSI soon after MS diagnosis is relatively common, not only when anxiety and depression are present, but also in individuals with only mild depression. Screening for SI is important, allowing clinicians to target support to newly diagnosed individuals.

Organisational changes and depression: The mediating role of psychosocial work exposures in the SUMER study

BackgroundStudies are lacking on the associations between organisational changes and mental disorders and the underlying mechanisms. The objectives were to explore the associations between organisational changes and depression, measured using a validated instrument, and the mediating role of psychosocial work exposures. MethodsThe study relied on the national representative sample of 25,977 employees of the French SUMER survey. The PHQ-9 instrument was used to measure depression. Weighted robust Poisson regression analyses were performed to explore the associations between organisational changes, psychosocial work exposures, and depression. The method by Karlson, Holm and Breen (KHB) was used to estimate the mediating role (contributions) of psychosocial work exposures in the associations between organisational changes and depression. ResultsThe exposure to any organisational change increased the risk of depression (Prevalence Ratio = 1.85, 95 % CI: 1.61–2.13). All types of organisational changes were found to be risk factors for depression. The risk of depression increased with the number of organisational changes. Psychosocial work exposures contributed to mediating the associations between organisational changes and depression. The exposures with the highest contributions were found to be high psychological demands, low esteem, low job promotion, low job security, workplace bullying, and ethical conflict. Taking all the exposures into account mediated the associations by 47–100 %. LimitationsThe study limitations included the cross-sectional design and a potential healthy worker effect. ConclusionsMore prevention oriented towards work organisation and the psychosocial work environment may help to reduce depression among working populations.

Obesity is associated with hyperandrogenemia in a nationally-representative sample of U.S. girls aged 6-18 years.

Studies have associated obesity with peri-pubertal hyperandrogenemia. However, these studies were performed in academic centers and could have been influenced by selection bias. To investigate if free testosterone levels are elevated in peri-pubertal girls with obesity. We analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013-2016 databases. 1,299 girls aged 6-18 years residing in U.S. Mean free testosterone concentration (calculated from total testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin). Among girls aged 6-9 years, mean (95% CI) free testosterone was 0.33 pg/ml (0.28-0.38) in healthy weight girls vs. 0.86 pg/ml (0.67-1.05) in girls with obesity. Among girls aged 10-14 years, free testosterone was 2.29 pg/ml (2.05-2.53) in healthy weight girls vs. 4.10 pg/ml (3.60-4.60) in girls with obesity. Among girls aged 15-18 years, free testosterone was 3.33 pg/ml (2.96-3.70) in healthy weight girls and 5.64 pg/ml (4.93-6.36) in girls with obesity. Girls with obesity in all age groups had higher free testosterone levels compared to healthy weight girls. In each age group, the 95% CIs for free testosterone did not overlap between healthy weight vs. obesity subgroups. A multiple regression model accounted for 42% of the variance in free testosterone (R2=0.42), and both weight and age categories were independent predictors of free testosterone (p<0.0001 for each). In a nationally-representative sample of U.S. girls, obesity is associated with elevated free testosterone, suggesting an important relationship between obesity and peri-pubertal hyperandrogenemia.

Prevalence of Blunt and Hemp Wrap Use Among Young Adults in the United States, 2022

Introduction Blunt and hemp wraps, as a means of consuming cannabis, have emerged into the retail space where the prevalence has been increasing since 2017. There is limited epidemiological research on the prevalence of use of these products across the U.S. particularly among young adults who are at greater risk of tobacco and cannabis use. Methods This study draws from a U.S. national representative sample of young adults (n = 1178) captured in May 2022. Respondents participated in an online survey about their use of blunt and hemp wraps. Multinomial regression was used to examine differences in sociodemographic characteristics (gender, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, educational attainment, and region) in relation to use of each wrap type. Results One quarter (22.7%) of young adults reported ever having used a blunt wrap, 3.2% in the past 30-days. One in seven (14.3%) had ever used a hemp wrap, 2.3% in the past 30-days. Non-Hispanic Black young adults were 1.55 and 2.91 times as likely to have ever used blunt or hemp wraps, respectively, compared to non-Hispanic Whites. Similarly, participants who identified as gay or lesbian or bisexual similarly had greater odds of having ever used blunt or hemp wraps. Hispanic young adults were 2.49 times as likely to have used hempwraps compared to non-Hispanic Whites. Conclusion Blunt and hemp wrap use is prevalent among young adults, particularly among minoritized populations. Continued research and surveillance of use of these products is needed to fully evaluate the impact their use may have on the broader population.

Exploring Longitudinal Associations between Teacher Expectancy Effects and Reading Achievement among a US Nationally Representative Sample of K–8 Students

Exploring Longitudinal Associations between Teacher Expectancy Effects and Reading Achievement among a US Nationally Representative Sample of K–8 Students

Associations between work-related factors and sickness presenteeism: a prospective study using the national French working conditions survey

ObjectivesThe objectives were to assess the prospective associations between work-related factors, including psychosocial and physical work factors and working time/hours factors, and sickness presenteeism alone or combined with sickness absence.MethodsThe...

Psychological capacity profiles of different age groups and gender in a national representative sample.

Beyond the specific cognitive capacities like numerical or verbal intelligence and cognitive speed, the so-called soft skills, namely, psychological capacities, have become highly important in modern life. This is the first representative study on the distribution of work-relevant psychological capacities in the general population. We investigate capacities in different age groups, gender, and their relation with basic sociodemographics. A representative sample of 2531 people aged 14-95 years was investigated concerning work-relevant psychological capacities with the mini self-rating for psychological activities and participation (Mini-ICF-APP-S). The strongest capacities in young people were mobility, flexibility, proactivity, contact to thirds, and group interaction. Other capacities were stronger in midlife (30-59 years), such as adjustment to rules and routines, planning and structuring, decision making and judgement, application of competence and knowledge, assertiveness, dyadic relationships, endurance, and self-care. Women reported better dyadic relationship capacities, and men felt more assertive. The study provides, for the first time, representative data on a broad range of psychological capacities according to an internationally validated capacity concept. Good psychological capacities occur not primarily in youth, but especially in midlife and older age. Regarding demographic change, this implies older people are highly competent in the working world.