Overall Well-being Of People Research Articles

Unveiling differential gene co-expression networks and its effects on levodopa-induced dyskinesia

Levodopa-induced dyskinesia (LID) refers to involuntary motor movements of chronic use of levodopa in Parkinson's disease (PD) that negatively impact the overall well-being of people with this disease. The molecular mechanisms involved in LID were investigated through whole-blood transcriptomic analysis for differential gene expression and identification of new co-expression and differential co-expression networks. We found six differentially expressed genes in patients with LID, and 13 in patients without LID. We also identified 12 co-expressed genes exclusive to LID, and six exclusive hub genes involved in 23 gene-gene interactions in patients with LID. Convergently, we identified novel genes associated with PD and LID that play roles in mitochondrial dysfunction, dysregulation of lipid metabolism, and neuroinflammation. We observed significant changes in disease progression, consistent with previous findings of maladaptive plastic changes in the basal ganglia leading to the development of LID, including a chronic pro-inflammatory state in the brain.

Marginalized voices: a qualitative exploration of multilevel environmental barriers to assistive technology use among hispanics

Purpose Assistive technology (AT) can increase or maintain the quality of life and overall well-being of people with disabilities. Nevertheless, access to AT is limited among Hispanics with disabilities in the United States (U.S.). AT research representing the experiences of Hispanics is limited, potentially leading to disparities in AT use. Moreover, poor inclusion of Hispanics neglects the needs of this population, resulting in discrepancies in research, practice, and policy related to AT. To address these limitations, this study aimed to identify and explore multilevel environmental barriers to AT use among a sample of Hispanics in the U.S. Methods This was a descriptive qualitative research design study guided by the Social Ecological Model framework using in-depth interviews to collect data. Nine Hispanic individuals with disabilities and their caregivers who received AT services at the University of Illinois at Chicago Assistive Technology Unit outpatient clinic were interviewed. Data was analyzed using a qualitative thematic analysis approach. Results Barriers to AT use were found to exist in all levels of the Social Ecological Model. The most common barriers to AT use were identified in the community domain, which was related to the lack of AT information, and in the societal domain, which was related to sociocultural norms and the availability of AT funding, policies, and regulations. Conclusions The participants’ lived experiences and perspectives underscored that environmental barriers to AT use are not isolated occurrences; rather, systemic attitudes permeate across all levels of the Social Ecological Model.

The impact of the urban traffic on the CO2 intensity: a navigation study using GNSS application in Jakarta city

ABSTRACT Massive traffic congestion is one of the many challenges faced by Jakarta as the capital city of Indonesia with the largest metropolitan area. The overarching goal of the study is to explore a combination of global navigation satellite system (GNSS) with vehicle-based measuring devices to precisely map the impact of the urban traffic on the CO2 emissions in Jakarta city. The research objectives include to examine and understand the CO2 intensity in major cities using state-of-the-art research strategies to correctly map the impact of the urban traffic patterns on urban areas and overall well-being of people in these locations. Urban traffic was studied in selected major urban transportation routes that were selected using PPK GNSS and the HT 2000 environmental sensor. This study reports that there is indeed a correlation between urban traffic and air pollution. The study noted that the macro and micro parameters of urban development and traffic policies are influencing the slowing down of traffic in city centers. The research outcomes could serve as a framework for designing the conceptual smart measure and tool of transportation carbon pricing in achieving the more sustainable transportation sector of Indonesia.

Risk Factors and Interventions for Suicide in Huntington's Disease-A Systematic Review.

Background/Objectives: Huntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder causing progressive neurodegeneration which, aside from symptomatic therapies for controlling psychological and motor problems, currently has no effective treatment. People who receive this diagnosis often feel disoriented and lost without guidance. Furthermore, HD patients are estimated to have a two to seven times greater risk of suicide death compared to the general population. The current review investigates the complex relationship between HD and suicide, seeking to identify key risk factors influencing suicidal ideation and behaviour in affected individuals. Methods: We conducted a systematic review following the PRISMA guidelines. Studies were searched for on the PubMed, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases, and 17 articles met the inclusion criteria. Results: The findings reveal that emotional strain, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and the absence of a cure contribute to heightened suicidal tendencies in HD patients. Critical periods for suicide risk coincide with early symptomatic stages of disease or the successive phase, with the loss of independence impacting on daily functioning. Risk factors associated with HD include a depressive mood, cognitive impairments, and a history of suicide attempts. Conclusions: From a prevention perspective, a comprehensive multidisciplinary and multidimensional approach could enhance the overall well-being of people with HD. In particular, screening for suicidal thoughts in people with HD could mitigate suicide risk.

EXPLORING THE INFLUENCE OF PSYCHOLOGICAL SUPPORT SERVICES ON DEPRESSION REDUCTION OF PEOPLE WITH ALBINISM IN RWANDAA CASE OF HEALTH ALERTS ORGANIZATION

Background: Individuals living with albinism face unique challenges, including living situation, socioeconomic status, and the effectiveness of the health education on their mental well-being. Creating focused interventions and support networks for this susceptible group requires an understanding of how these variables interact and how depression is affected by them. The goal of this research is to better understand the intricate interaction between these factors and how it affects the mental health of albinos in Rwanda. Three main goals served as the foundation for this investigation: finding out how common depression is among Rwandans who have albinism. to identify risk factors for depression in Rwandan individuals who are albinos. Also to look at how well health education programmes work in Rwanda to raise awareness of depression among those who are albinos. This research was guide by Disability Model, Eriksons Psychology Development Theories. Materials and Methods: Using a quantitative cross-sectional design and independent variables including gender, age, religion, place of residence, socioeconomic category, parental situation (living with parents or as orphans), and health risk factors like suicidal ideation, the mixed methods study evaluated the prevalence and factors linked to depression among individuals living with albinism in Rwanda starting in September 2023. Additionally, individual interviews were used to gather qualitative data in order to assess the efficacy of health education programmes aimed at reducing depression in the study population. In order to determine the components linked to depression, quantitative studies were conducted using logistic regression models. In the research with 75 participants, all individuals were considered as respondents using census sampling technique and these were the people living with albinism beneficiaries of the Health Alerts Organization, a Rwandan non-profit organization. Results: Most were young, female, and faced various life challenges. A significant majority experienced depression (69.33%), with occupation, literacy, socio-economic category, and facing challenges showing associations in bivariate analysis. Multivariate analysis revealed that being in socio-economic category III was protective against depression (OR 0.11) while facing challenges substantially increased the odds (OR 48.15). Our study reveals a high prevalence of depression among individuals, particularly those dealing with life challenges. Occupation, literacy, socio-economic status, and challenges were linked to depression in our analysis. Socio-economic category III seemed protective, while challenges significantly increased risk. These findings emphasize the necessity for tailored interventions and support for mental health disparities, especially among vulnerable populations facing adversity. This study holds a significant importance for associations supporting individuals with albinism, providing insights into their mental health issues and specific support needs. Counselors benefit from a clearer understanding of the psychological challenges faced by this group. Conclusion: The findings can aid the Ministry of Health in planning and potential legislation to address mental health concerns among individuals with albinism, while the Ministry of Local Government can use them to develop a national social protection policy and enhance public awareness about the challenges faced by individuals with albinism.The recommendations derived from the study findings and conclusions are directed towards various stakeholders, each aiming at improving the mental health and overall well-being of people with albinism in Rwanda.

Human security, sustainable livelihoods and development: the case of the Niger Delta region in Nigeria

This article critically examines the complex connections between human security and livelihoods in relation to development in the Niger Delta of Nigeria. This region is pervaded by a web of socio-economic and environmental issues that have severely impacted the lives of people and communities due to environmental degradation. For example, the exploration and exploitation of natural resources in this region has had extensive consequences on the livelihood activities of the people. Moreover, the Niger Delta has been affected by persistent social instabilities and a lack of access to some of the basic assets of security, including personal, health, economic and environmental security. While the concepts of livelihoods and environmental degradation are reasonably well understood in the context of the Niger Delta, the complex links between them in relation to human security remain unexplored. To examine how environmental degradation impacts livelihoods, this article explores the concept of human security, following a rights-based approach in line with the sustainable livelihood framework. Furthermore, it draws from semi-structured interviews conducted in the region on the lived experiences of community members, such as farmers and fishers, and their challenges in bridging generational crises in the context of environmental degradation. I argue that understanding the interconnectedness of security and livelihood issues in the context of such crises provides an innovative approach to considering both environmental and social factors in sustainable development, which is essential for the overall well-being of people in the region.

Positive effects of speech and language therapy group interventions in primary progressive aphasia: A systematic review.

Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is a neurodegenerative condition characterised by a prominent and progressive deterioration in language abilities, which significantly impacts quality of life and interpersonal relationships. Speech and language therapy plays a crucial role in offering interventions. Group intervention is one mode of delivery that could benefit communication functioning and overall wellbeing of people with PPA (pwPPA) and their care partners. Group interventions are also more efficient than one-to-one intervention and may facilitate peer support. The aim of this review was to systematically evaluate the current evidence for the effectiveness of speech and language therapy groups for pwPPA and their care partners. Specifically, this paper considered three questions: 1.What evidence-based speech and language therapy groups for pwPPA and their care partners have been reported to date? 2.Are group communication interventions effective in improving quality of life and communication function for pwPPA and their care partners? 3.Are group communication interventions that are designed for people with communication difficulties of other aetiologies (such as stroke) effective for pwPPA? In addition, this review aimed to describe the structure and content of groups, including aims, disciplines involved, size and frequency of group meetings, and outcome measures. MEDLINE, CINAHL and PsycINFO were used to retrieve articles of interest. A total of 10 studies published between 2009 and 2022 met the eligibility criteria and therefore were included in this study. Data were extracted from the articles regarding the structure and content of groups. Although evidence is currently limited, results suggest that speech and language therapy group intervention can improve specific linguistic processes, the use of communication strategies and psychosocial well-being. The importance of multidisciplinary input and care partners' involvement in groups was highlighted, along with the benefits of creative non-verbal activities as tools for self-expression. There is also initial evidence that telehealth group provision and one-off group sessions may be feasible and can benefit psychosocial well-being. Lastly, intentional recruitment and explicit education on different aphasia types are described as important when pwPPA participate in groups with mixed diagnoses. The literature on speech and language therapy group interventions for PPA shows promise of positive effects on communication function and psychosocial well-being of both pwPPA and their care partners. Speech and language therapists can consider these published interventions when designing and implementing similar groups, but more robust evidence is required to confirm the relative effectiveness of this approach. What is already known on this subject Speech pathology led group intervention shows some promise in benefitting communication functioning and overall well-being of pwPPA and their carers, but there has been no systematic evaluation of all the evidence regarding the efficacy of speech and language therapy led groups. Establishing feasibility, acceptability and efficacy of speech and language therapy group interventions for pwPPA and their carers may present a valuable addition for managing this progressive language disability. What this paper adds to existing knowledge Although evidence is currently limited, results from this systematic review suggest that speech and language therapy led group intervention can improve specific linguistic processes, the use of communication strategies and psychosocial well-being for pwPPA and their carers. The importance of multidisciplinary input and carers' involvement in groups was highlighted, along with the benefits of creative non-verbal activities as tools for self-expression. There is also initial evidence that telehealth group provision for carers may be feasible and can benefit psychosocial wellbeing. Lastly, intentional recruitment and explicit education on different aphasia types are described as important when pwPPA participate in groups with mixed diagnoses. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? A synthesis of the evidence base for speech and language therapy led PPA groups, as well as a description of the group components and formats, will be valuable for clinical service planning, and will guide future examination of group options for pwPPA and their carers. Speech and language therapists can also consider the research findings from this systematic review when designing and implementing similar groups in their local context.

Considering the human-animal bond in developing One Health guidelines and standards for companion animals in humanitarian crises

Abstract Establishing international One Health guidelines and standards for the evacuation and care of small companion animals in humanitarian crises is essential to protect the overall well-being of people and pets impacted, improve efficacy and safety of response operations, safeguard public health and biosecurity, and mitigate the impacts of free-roaming pets on the environment and biodiversity. Given predictably larger scale and more frequent crises due to climate change and human conflict or violence, it is increasingly important to consider and plan for the impacts that invariably result when both people and pets are displaced. One Health impact statement Currently, there is a prominent focus on One Health approaches to plan for and respond to emerging infectious disease threats as they impact human physical and public health. Much less attention has been paid to all-hazards disaster preparedness and planning (DPP) that comprehensively addresses the myriad additional ways humans, other animals, and the environment are impacted by co-displacement of pets and people. If applied, One Health approaches to DPP for humanitarian crises would address a broader range of risks and harms and build the cross-disciplinary collaborations and platforms necessary to truly plan and prepare for “all hazards.” This approach also provides an exceptional opportunity to elevate One Health understanding among both professionals and the public when disaster planning initiatives are developed with, and shared among, communities around the world.

Roberta and BERT: Revolutionizing Mental Healthcare through Natural Language

In recent years, developments in natural language processing (NLP) have made it possible for novel applications to be developed in the field of mental healthcare. Roberta and BERT are two examples of these advances. They are examples of state-of-the-art language models that have exhibited extraordinary skills in comprehending and processing human language. Through the use of NLP, this research investigates the revolutionary role that Roberta and BERT have had in the transformation of mental healthcare. via the use of huge quantities of textual data, these models provide insights into the feelings, attitudes, and mental states of patients that are communicated via language that have never been considered before. Through the use of advanced language comprehension methods, Roberta and BERT are able to provide more precise diagnosis, individualized treatment suggestions, and therapeutic interventions that are specifically designed to meet the specific requirements of people. Furthermore, they make it easier to construct virtual assistants and chatbots that are able to provide support and intervention in real time. This allows mental health treatments to be extended to groups who are not currently receiving them and helps to eliminate obstacles that prevent access to these services. However, in order to guarantee the appropriate deployment of these technologies, it is necessary to carefully traverse difficulties such as concerns around privacy, bias in data, and ethical considerations. Despite this, Roberta and BERT have a tremendous amount of promise to revolutionize mental healthcare via the use of natural language understanding. This has the ability to improve results, better relationships between patients and providers, and eventually contribute to the overall well-being of people all over the globe.

Effectiveness of participatory video in lowering stigma against people with mental, neurological and substance use disorders in Kenya.

Globally, stigma associated with mental, neurological and substance use (MNS) disorders is rampant and a barrier to good health and overall well-being of people with these conditions. Person-centred digital approaches such as participatory video may reduce stigma, but evidence on their effectiveness in Africa is absent. To evaluate the effectiveness of participatory video in reducing mental health-related stigma in a resource-limited setting. We evaluated the effectiveness of using participatory video and face-to-face interaction between people with MNS disorders and a target audience in lowering stigma among 420 people living in Kilifi, Kenya. Changes in knowledge, attitudes and behaviour (KAB) were measured by comparing baseline scores with scores immediately after watching the participatory videos and 4 months after the intervention. Sociodemographic correlates of stigma scores were examined using multivariable linear regression models. Compared with baseline, KAB scores significantly improved at both time points, suggesting reduced stigma levels. At 4 months, the changes in scores were: knowledge (β = 0.20, 95% CI 0.16-0.25; P < 0.01), liberal attitude (β = 1.08, 95% CI 0.98-1.17; P < 0.01), sympathetic attitude (β = 0.52, 95% CI 0.42-0.62; P < 0.01), tolerant attitude (β = 0.72, 95% CI 0.61-0.83; P < 0.01) and behaviour (β = 0.37, 95% CI 0.31-0.43; P < 0.01). Sociodemographic variables were significantly correlated with KAB scores; the correlations were not consistent across the domains. Participatory video is a feasible and effective strategy in improving knowledge, attitudes and intended behaviour in a resource-limited setting. Further studies are required to understand the mechanisms through which it lowers stigma and to examine long-term sustainability and the effectiveness of multicomponent interventions.

Looking Back, Visioning Forward: Preconception Health in the US 2005 to 2023.

Preconception health has always been about preventative health care, ensuring the overall wellbeing of people of reproductive age before they have children. However, just as public health and health care have shifted to prioritize equity and include ideas about how social determinants of health influence health outcomes, the field of preconception health has experienced a similar transition. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the evolution of preconception health in the United States after 2005, highlighting the key tensions that have shaped the field. We provide an overview of the early history of the movement and describe how four phases of ideological tensions overtime have led to changes across seven categories of preconception health: definitions and frameworks, surveillance and measurement, messaging and education, strategic convenings and collaborations, clinical practice, and reproductive life planning. We also describe the historic and emerging challenges that affect preconception care, including limited sustained investment and ongoing threats to reproductive health. The vision of preconception health care we outline has been created by a diversity of voices calling for wellness, equity, and reproductive justice to be the foundation to all preconception health work. This requires a focus on preconception health education that prioritizes bodily autonomy, not just pregnancy intentions; national surveillance and data measures that center equity; attention to mental health and overall well-being; and the inclusion of transgender and non-binary people of reproductive age.

Life engagement in people living with schizophrenia: predictors and correlates of patient life engagement in a large sample of people living in the community.

Life engagement represents a holistic concept that encompasses outcomes reflecting life-fulfilment, well-being and participation in valued and meaningful activities, which is recently gaining attention and scientific interest. Despite its conceptual importance and its relevance, life engagement represents a largely unexplored domain in schizophrenia. The aims of the present study were to independently assess correlates and predictors of patient life engagement in a large and well-characterized sample of schizophrenia patients. To assess the impact of different demographic, clinical, cognitive and functional parameters on life engagement in a large sample of patients with schizophrenia, data from the social cognition psychometric evaluation project were analyzed. Overall schizophrenia and depressive symptom severity, premorbid IQ, neurocognitive performance, social cognition performance both in the emotion processing and theory of mind domains, functional capacity, social skills performance and real-world functioning in different areas all emerged as correlates of patient life engagement. Greater symptom severity and greater impairment in real-world interpersonal relationships, social skills, functional capacity and work outcomes emerged as individual predictors of greater limitations in life engagement. Life engagement in people living with schizophrenia represents a holistic and complex construct, with several different clinical, cognitive and functional correlates. These features represent potential treatment targets to improve the clinical condition and also facilitate the process of recovery and the overall well-being of people living with schizophrenia.

Evaluation of the Lebanese Adults' Knowledge Regarding Autism Spectrum Disorder.

The daily functioning and overall well-being of people with ASD depends largely on understanding how the wider public views ASD. Indeed, an increased level of ASD knowledge in the general population may result in earlier diagnosis, earlier intervention, and better overall outcomes. The present study aimed to examine the current state of ASD knowledge, beliefs, and sources of information in a Lebanese general population sample, to identify the factors that could influence this knowledge. A total of 500 participants were involved in this cross-sectional study, which was conducted in Lebanon between May 2022 and August 2022 using the Autism Spectrum Knowledge scale, General Population version (ASKSG). Overall, the participants' understanding of autism spectrum disorder was low, with a mean score of 13.8 (6.69) out of 32, or 43.1%. The highest knowledge score was found for items related to knowledge of the symptoms and associated behaviors (52%). However, the level of knowledge regarding the etiology and prevalence, assessment and diagnosis, treatment, outcomes, and prognosis of the disease was low (29%, 39.2%, 46%, and 43.4%, respectively). Moreover, age, gender, place of residence, sources of information, and ASD case were all statistically significant predictors of ASD knowledge (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p = 0.012, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). The general public in Lebanon perceive a lack of awareness and insufficient knowledge regarding ASD. This results in delayed identification and intervention, leading to unsatisfactory outcomes in patients. Raising awareness about autism among parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals should be a top priority.

Are group identity and sense of belonging relevant for group pain management programmes? An exploratory pilot study.

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)-based programmes for chronic pain are often conducted in groups, most likely for time and cost efficiencies. However, there has been very little investigation of the role that the group itself, and particularly the processes occurring within the group, may play in individual outcomes. The objective of this study was to explore whether social group processes were relevant to key treatment outcomes of group CBT for chronic pain. Data were collected from 15 groups (N = 118) undertaking a pain management programme in a tertiary setting. Intraclass correlations were computed to determine any clustering of outcomes in groups, and linear mixed modelling analysis explored pre-registered hypotheses of associations between treatment outcomes and the social group processes of Group Identification and Sense of Belonging. A weak association between early identification with the group and changes in pain-related disability was shown. In addition, an enhanced global Sense of Belonging was associated with increased pain self-efficacy. These associations, in a programme that had not been designed to address group processes, suggest that their relevance is worth further investigation, particularly in group programmes that do focus on the social consequences of chronic pain. Future studies should investigate whether manipulation of social group processes within a CBT-based pain programme enhances pain-related outcomes and improves the overall well-being of people with chronic pain.

Investigating the relationship between mental health, resilience and self-compassion among Greek unemployed people

Introduction Unemployment is considered to be one of the most stressful life events that a person may experience. There are a plethora of studies that highlighted the negative effects of unemployment on people’s overall mental health and well-being. Yet, psychological resilience and self-compassion contribute positively in coping with stressful situations and seem to be particularly supportive mechanisms when one is confronted with unemployment.ObjectivesThis study intended to investigate the relationships between resilience, self-compassion and mental health in Greek unemployed people and the contribution of specific sociodemographic characteristics in this ‘equation’.MethodsThe study followed a survey design where a sample of 345 Greek unemployed participants completed an online questionnaire, examining the variables under study.ResultsAccording to the findings, people who reported being unemployed for more than six months showed decreased levels of mental health. Also, the unemployed with higher levels of resilience and self-compassion reported statistically significant higher levels of mental health and vice versa. Finally, self-compassion and psychological resilience were found to be statistically positive related to each other and are predictive factors of mental health with which they are statistically negative related.ConclusionsThe results of this study may contribute to the implementation of interventions aiming at improving mental health and the overall well-being of people affected by long-term unemployment.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

Optimization and techno-economic analysis of a mixed power system for sustainable operation of cellular sites in 5G era

The dearth of digital technology has an overwhelming effect on the overall wellbeing of people excluded, due to skills, infrastructure, and funding shortages; especially where such technologies can gradually provide access to life-enriching services for the people. This paper aims to optimize and techno-economic analyzes a mixed power system for the deployment of modern cellular mobile infrastructure in the fifth-generation era cleanly and sustainably. The objective is to shift from the conventional grid-diesel to a cleaner and more competitive electric power model. The optimal model comprising a hybrid wind/photovoltaic/fuel cell power conversion and hydrogen storage modules linked to the grid was developed by using the energy-equilibrium strategy of the HOMER Pro software. Whereas the objective function was analyzed based on cost, the mixed power system was constrained to satisfy the energy demand reliably and competitively. Process simulations were executed to finalize the optimal sizing, and techno-economic implications of the mixed energy system, using 22-year meteorological datasets collected for a survey site (latitude 12°59.5′N and longitude 7°36.2′E). The optimum design size improves the unreliable grid with a renewable portion of 98.8% at $ 0.03602 per kWh, and an energy cost cutback of 91.5% at 43.9% return on investment could be gained with a payback period of fewer than 3 years. This could facilitate the switch from a grid-diesel energy pathway to a cleaner and sustainable alternative thereby decarbonizing the immediate operational environment and the city at large.

Exploring Social Sustainability Handprint—Part 1: Handprint and Life Cycle Thinking and Approaches

Sustainable development and sustainability encompass a strong focus on the advancement of sustainable societies, social sustainability, and overall well-being of people both now and in the future. These goals also highlight sustainable social/society–environment relationships and interfaces to promote sustainable development of both people and the planet. The promotion of social sustainability requires leadership, management, and assessment by organizations and people. This study explored social sustainability handprints from the perspective of handprint and life cycle thinking and approaches using qualitative research approaches. It addressed a clear gap in research and aimed at exploring, discovering, analyzing and synthetizing the main implications of these frameworks for the creation and assessment of the social sustainability handprint development. It was recognized that there are multiple ways to create social sustainability handprints, such as positive changes, actions, innovations, and impacts. The same applies to assessments that can be based on, for example, handprint and life cycle thinking and approaches, sustainability management, assessment and indicators, and sustainability science. The findings highlight the broadness and diversity of approaches, opportunities, and possibilities related to both the creation and assessment of social sustainability handprints. Additionally, they suggest that particular focus is needed, for example, on comprehensive approaches that take into account specific contexts, locations, cultures, scales, conditions, characteristics, perspectives, and stakeholders.

Resilience-Focused HIV Care to Promote Psychological Well-Being During COVID-19 and Other Catastrophes.

The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected people with HIV due to disruptions in prevention and care services, economic impacts, and social isolation. These stressors have contributed to worse physical health, HIV treatment outcomes, and psychological wellness. Psychological sequelae associated with COVID-19 threaten the overall well-being of people with HIV and efforts to end the HIV epidemic. Resilience is a known mediator of health disparities and can improve psychological wellness and behavioral health outcomes along the HIV Continuum of Care. Though resilience is often organically developed in individuals as a result of overcoming adversity, it may be fostered through multi-level internal and external resourcing (at psychological, interpersonal, spiritual, and community/neighborhood levels). In this Perspective, resilience-focused HIV care is defined as a model of care in which providers promote optimum health for people with HIV by facilitating multi-level resourcing to buffer the effects of adversity and foster well-being. Adoption of resilience-focused HIV care may help providers better promote well-being among people living with HIV during this time of increased psychological stress and help prepare systems of care for future catastrophes. Informed by the literature, we constructed a set of core principles and considerations for successful adoption and sustainability of resilience-focused HIV care. Our definition of resilience-focused HIV care marks a novel contribution to the knowledge base and responds to the call for a multidimensional definition of resilience as part of HIV research.

Are your employees getting their daily dose of DOSE? – A neuroscience perspective to enhance employee engagement

PurposeTo provide an alternative, neuroscience perspective to enhance employee engagement in companies.Design/methodology/approachThe authors have undertaken extensive literature review to identify the key neurotransmitters that enhances employee motivation. The paper list four neurochemicals - DOSE (Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin and Endorphins) are called “angel chemicals” that enhance the overall well-being of people. The characteristics of these neurochemicals and their impact on employee engagement are discussed briefly in the paper. Care has been taken to ensure the language used in the paper is not medical terminologies but what is widely used in the business world - to make it relevant for HR managers and leaders in the Industry.FindingsDopamine (Mood elevator that enhances happiness and is associated with memory, learning, planning and productivity), Oxytocin (that enhances bonding, trust and empathy), Serotonin (that helps maintain emotional balance and enhances well-being) and Endorphins (boosts self-esteem and reduces anxiety) are all known to enhance productivity, improve collaboration, increase prosocial behavior, reduce stress and boost the overall well-being of the employees. These concepts are both the necessary goldilocks conditions and celebrated output of having highly engaged workforce. Many of the triggers for synthesizing DOSE in the body needs small modifications in the office environment and cost-effective interventions as shared in the paper. Companies have spent several hundred billion dollars on employee engagement initiatives with limited success. HR leaders now have an alternative, neuroscience perspective to consider as part of their overall employee engagement strategy.Originality/valueThis paper provides insights into this important concept of employee engagement from a neuroscience perspective. Leveraging DOSE to enhance employee engagement is a new concept that HR managers now can use to augment their employee engagement interventions to enhance the teams’ morale.

Perceptions of Public Health Priorities and Accountability Among US Mayors.

Mayors have considerable and often direct influence over health policy in their cities, yet little is known about mayors' general perceptions of current public health challenges. The objective of this study was to assess perceptions, attitudes, and priorities related to public health among US mayors. We collected survey data from a nationally representative sample of US mayors (N = 110) in 2018 and matched survey responses with city-level health surveillance data. We conducted descriptive analyses and multivariable regression modeling to estimate associations of interest. Mayors in our sample most frequently cited obesity/chronic diseases (23.6%; 26 of 110), opioid abuse/drug addiction (22.7%; 25 of 110), and health care access (13.6%; 15 of 110) as the top health challenges facing their cities. However, mayors identified a different set of health issues for which they believed constituents hold them accountable. With the exception of opioid-related deaths, prevalence of a health concern was not associated with perceived accountability for that particular issue, whereas partisanship and sex predicted patterns in perceived accountability. Mayors recognized critical health challenges at the city level but varied widely in their perceived accountability for such challenges. Findings can inform strategies to engage local policy makers in cross-sector collaborations to improve the health and overall well-being of people in cities across the United States.