Perceived Health Effects Research Articles

Perception of the Effects of Fire Wood Usage on Rural Women’s Health in Ogun State Nigeria

The study assessed the effects of firewood usage on rural women health in Ogun State. Samples of 128 respondents were randomly selected from four local government areas of Ogun State. Data were collected with the aid of structured questionnaire. Percentages were used for data analysis. Majority of the respondents were married (91%) with a mean age of 50 years. Most of the respondents (86.7%) used firewood for cooking, the preference of the utilization of firewood over other alternatives was due to non-availability of other sources (40%) and availability of firewood (33%). Some perceived health effects on the respondents were discomfort caused by the smoke from the firewood (𝑥 ̅= 2.81) and eyes irritation (= 2.53). The study recommended alternative energy sources that are with lesser health hazards be made readily available at subsidized rate in the rural areas since this was the major attractive driving force for the use of firewood.

Patient Perspectives: Valuable Food Insecurity Interventions.

Food insecurity (FI), defined as "limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate and safe foods, or limited or uncertain ability to acquire acceptable foods in socially acceptable ways," affects over 12% of US households. Embarrassment persists for patients with FI, and due to the potential consequences of FI, including increased utilization of the health care system, it is important to find causes and potential interventions for FI. The purpose of this project was to better understand FI from the patient perspective, including contributing factors, perceived health effects, and helpful interventions. Interviews (N=21) were conducted with suburban community residency clinic patients who screened positive for FI in the last 12 months. Six open-ended questions and a ranking question examined contributors to FI, effects of FI, perceptions of clinic intervention helpfulness, and ideas for novel interventions. Patients identified lack of income (85.7%) as the primary issue they faced. Secondary identified issues were lack of transportation (38.1%), too much debt (33.3%), and food assistance programs not providing for all needs (33.3%). FI effects on patients' health included difficulty adhering to specialized diets and the need to modify eating patterns due to lack of food. Surprisingly, 28.6% perceived no FI related-health effects. Patients felt that the most valuable clinic intervention was provision of urgent need food boxes, followed by FI screening and referrals to community food resources. Frequent FI screening is in itself useful to patients. Screening paired with community food resource referrals and urgent-need food boxes are the most helpful interventions according to patients.

The Influence of Covid-19 on Perceived Health Effects of Wetland Parks in China

Wetland parks are designed to support urban ecological protection, flood control and human well-being. Existing research mainly focuses on their influence on ecology and economy. However, their influence on human well-being and health is rarely studied. In China, during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic (Peak), people were very concerned about health, while at the same time wetland parks which are generally considered beneficial to health were closed. Thus, this study explores the public’s perception of the health effects of visiting wetland parks and the impact of the pandemic on the perception. From March 5th to 8th, 2020, before the Peak in China was over, 1,400 respondents participated in a nationwide online survey. It was found that the perceived benefits from visiting wetland parks were higher in terms of mental health than in physical health. Also, the perceived health benefits of wetland parks after the Peak were slightly higher than before the pandemic. The results highlight that wildlife habitat services were considered to be the most important ecosystem services that promote the perceived health benefits. Interestingly, the perceived health benefits of wetland parks by health experts appear to be lower than in other groups, indicating that the health benefits of visiting wetland parks may be overestimated by lay-people or underestimated by health experts. The results provide empirical evidence for managing ecosystem services as delivered by these urban wetlands, in the context of COVID-19 or potential future pandemics, for promoting public health.

‘J’accuse.!’: the continuous failure to address radiophobia and placing radiation in perspective

As far as carcinogens are concerned, radiation is one of the best studied, having been researched for more than 100 years. Yet, radiation remains feared in many contexts as a result of its invisibility, its relationship with cancers and congenital disorders, aided by a variety of heuristics and reinforced by negative imagery. The strong socio-psychological response relating to nuclear energy has made radiation a classical case in the risk literature. This is reflected clearly following the nuclear accidents that have taken place, where the socio-psychological impacts of the clear dissonance between real and perceived health effects due to radiation exposure have caused considerable health detriment, outweighing the actual radiological impacts. Despite considerable efforts to normalise humankind’s relationship with radiation, there has been little shift away from the perceived uniqueness of the health risks of radiation. One consistent issue is the failure to place radiation within its proper perspective and context, which has ensured that radiophobia has persisted. The radiation protection community must get better at placing its research within the appropriate perspective and context, something that is far too rarely the case in discussions on radiation matters outside of the scientific community. Each member of the radiation protection community has an ethical, professional and moral obligation to set the record straight, to challenge the misconceptions and factual errors that surround radiation, as well as putting it into the proper perspective and context. Failing to do so, the well-established harms of radiophobia will remain, and the many benefits of nuclear technology risk being withheld.

The perceived health effects of e-cigarette use among adult smokers

Background: Vaping and e-cigarettes have been an epidemic among youths in recent years. In addition, as of April 2020, there has been hundreds of vaping related illnesses causing fatalities. As such there has been increased coverage by media and the government in regard to reporting vaping-related dangers and implementing regulatory changes such as bans. These actions could deter the target population from engaging in vaping – tobacco users. Research has shown that e-cigarettes are significantly less toxic relative to tobacco and that it could be more effective as a cessation treatment relative to nicotine gums or patches. This study surveyed current perceptions of Canadians with regards to vaping in order to determine if certain groups (i.e. varying ages, smoking status) hold different opinions in terms of harm, health benefits, and support for stricter e-cigarette regulations. Methods: Self-administered online surveys created on Survey Monkey were distributed to Canadians via online platforms Reddit and Facebook. The survey assessed opinions and perceptions of Canadians through multiple choice questions and were collected over a three week period. Results: This study received 157 respondents the majority of which were under 35 (73.08%) and from British Columbia (65.38%). Thirteen chi-square tests were performed comparing group variables (age, smoking status, and awareness of vaping related news) to perception variables (perceived harm, health benefits, safety). There was no association found between age and the tested perception variables. Several associations were found where e-cigarette users viewed e-cigarettes more favourably relative to tobacco users and non-users based on chi-square results. Chi-square associations between media awareness and harm perceptions could not be established due to a small sample size (n< 30). Conclusion: The results indicated that there are associations with e-cigarette perceptions and a person’s smoking status. This may be an indication that there is possible misinformation between groups when it comes to evaluating objective health effects of e-cigarettes. Non-users and a percentage of tobacco users seem to overstate

Occupational Hazard Assessment in a Vegetable Oil Producing Industry, Southwestern Nigeria

Reportedly, 50 - 70% of current global labor force is exposed to poor working conditions. This study examined exposure and hazards of workers in a vegetable oil industry and the perceived health effects in Southwestern, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional survey (including environmental monitoring) was employed to assess the workplace hazards and their perceived health effects on workers. The sampling covered 102 respondents across 15 departments within the industry. Data obtained were statistically analyzed using SPSS version 16. Common identified health and safety hazards were backache (17.6%), eye irritation (5.9%), breathing difficulty (6.9%), heat exhaustion (31.4%), bruises (2%), cuts and injuries (2%), and skin irritation (7.8%). Noise levels varied from section to section with the power plant recording the highest maximum mean noise level of 103.7dB though a lower mean noise level of 86.7dB was recorded for the office section. The noise level of 88.6dB was recorded at the boiler section; crushing floor had a noise level of 91.8dB at the work area while the office section had a lower noise level of 80.3dB. A noise level of 96.5dB was recorded at the Solvent Extraction Plant section; the office area had 78.2dB while agro laboratory and margarine section recorded 62.6dB and 73.3dB respectively. The study findings reveal that occupational health and safety in the workplace is inadequate with a wide range of hazards, physical, chemical, and ergonomic, which suggests implementation of stringent safety measures.

Can Global Policy Impact Local Environmental Justice? Using CASPER to Assess Perceived Health Effects of an Incinerator

Can Global Policy Impact Local Environmental Justice? Using CASPER to Assess Perceived Health Effects of an Incinerator

Assessing Motivational Differences Between Young and Older Adults When Playing an Exergame.

Background: Currently, exergames are used by different age groups for both recreational and training/rehabilitation purposes. However, little is known about how to design exergames so that they are motivating for specific age groups and health outcomes. Objective: In this article, we compare motivational factors between healthy young and older adults by analyzing their assessments of the same balance training exergame. Materials and Methods: We performed a laboratory-based assessment of a custom-made balance training exergame with 12 healthy young and 10 healthy older adults. Their answers to a semistructured text input questionnaire were analyzed qualitatively. Results: Both age groups were motivated by a combination of intrinsic and extrinsic motivational factors. We found that the young adults tended to be motivated by the game challenge and the in-game reward system (scores). In contrast, the older adults were more motivated by the perceived health effects (both physical and cognitive) and the joy of playing, with less regard for the in-game rewards. Conclusion: The differences in motivational factors that were identified between young and older adults have several design implications. For older adults less effort can be put on designing the in-game reward system and more on showing the player the potential health effects of their play. Furthermore, the competition aspect can be downplayed and more focus placed on simply making the gaming experience itself as joyful as possible.

"Cleanse" detoxification diet program in Appalachia: Participant characteristics and perceived health effects.

Introduction Numerous detoxification or "detox" diets purport to eliminate toxins from the body, help with weight loss, and improve health. Despite the claims of proponents, few of these programs have evidence of effectiveness. They often have significant associated costs and may have potential for harm, but they seem to be quite popular. Members of a community in Appalachia were invited to participate as a group in one such diet (called a "cleanse"). We conducted a study to explore characteristics of people who chose to complete the program, including their motivations and their perceptions of the health effects related to participation. Methods Those who volunteered to participate were educated on this program's definition of a "clean" diet through an information session and were given written guidelines. The diet was to last 21 days, and instructions were outlined as to which foods were allowed and which were to be eliminated. This study evaluated participants in two cohorts (June 2014 and January 2015). Individuals who registered for the study were asked to complete three anonymous surveys: one pretest before beginning the program (PRE), one roughly 1 week after completion (1wPOST), and one follow-up 8 weeks after the end of the diet period (8wPOST). Descriptive statistics, Skillings-Mack test, and Wilcoxon signed rank test were used to analyze results. Results Thirty-four individuals completed the PRE surveys, 15 individuals completed the 1wPOST surveys (44% of those completing the PRE surveys), and 8 individuals completed the 8wPOST surveys (24% of those completing the PRE surveys). Comparing results from the PRE, 1wPOST, and 8wPOST surveys, there were significant overall differences seen in the following health characteristics: cravings for sweet/salty foods (p=0.03), "giving in" to cravings (p=0.04), energy levels (p=0.001), and sleep quality (p=0.0001). These differences seen were between the PRE and 1wPOST surveys. Weight satisfaction and overall health did not show any overall significant differences. Conclusions While participants in Appalachia could benefit from a program that could improve health, this program's participants did not share socioeconomic characteristics reflective of most people from that area. Most were college-educated females with a reported family income and level of education that were higher than the average population. Self-reported health characteristics related to cravings, energy levels, and sleep quality demonstrated overall significant improvements from the PRE to the 1wPOST surveys. This exploratory study provides insight into the popularity of such programs. While measurement rather than self-report of clinical outcomes would be needed to more definitively determine the effects of this program, it would be worthwhile to explore further in an experimental study the outcomes identified in this study as being affected (cravings, energy, sleep, and weight).

Smart City idea: use of people's opinions on the environmental threats for intelligent management of the city

Abstract Managing the natural environment in the city is an important element of city management. Smart city authorities should take into account the opinion of residents about the comfort of living in the urban environment management strategy. A very important element of the natural environment in the city is air quality, which significantly affects the comfort of living in the city. The article presents surveys of opinions of the residents of a selected city in Silesia in Poland. The respondents' knowledge on the sources of air pollution in the city, the perceived health effects resulting from polluted atmospheric air and the expectations of residents towards the city authorities were examined using the anonymous questionnaire method. Residents' behavior in the situation of increased air pollution was also examined. On the basis of surveys, prophylactic pro-ecological activities were identified with the highest degree of acceptance of the local community as potential directions of urban environment management. The implementation of such activities, taking into account the opinions and preferences of the residents, is part of the co-management of the intelligent city.

Divine Placebo: Health and the Evolution of Religion

In this paper, I draw on knowledge from several disciplines to explicate the potential evolutionary significance of health effects of religiosity. I present three main observations. First, traditional methods of religious healers seldom rely on active remedies, but instead focus on lifestyle changes or spiritual healing practices that best can be described as placebo methods. Second, actual health effects of religiosity are thus mainly traceable to effects from a regulated lifestyle, social support networks, or placebo effects. Third, there are clear parallels between religious healing practices and currently identified methods that induce placebo effects. Physiological mechanisms identified to lie behind placebo effects activate the body’s own coping strategies and healing responses. In combination, lifestyle, social support networks, and placebo effects thus produce both actual and perceived health effects of religiosity. This may have played an important role in the evolution and diffusion of religion through two main pathways. First, any real positive health effects of religiosity would have provided a direct biological advantage. Second, any perceived health effects, both positive and negative, would further have provided a unique selling point for ‘religiosity’ per se. Actual and perceived health effects of religiosity may therefore have played an underestimated role during the evolution of religiosity through both biological and cultural pathways.

Perceived health effects of vaping among Hungarian adult e-cigarette-only and dual users: a cross-sectional internet survey

BackgroundKnowledge about the health effects of e-cigarette use (or vaping) among past and current combustible cigarette users is limited. Several studies have assessed vaping-related adverse events (AEs) and beneficial health effects, however, most studies focused on AEs in general and examined only a few physiological changes that vapers experience. This study aims to explore self-reported AEs and perceived health changes due to e-cigarette use among Hungarian adult e-cigarette-only users (former smokers who switched completely to e-cigarette use) and dual users (smokers who use e-cigarettes and combustible tobacco cigarettes concomitantly).MethodsA cross-sectional, web-based survey of 1042 adult Hungarian e-cigarette users was conducted in 2015. Participants reported AEs and changes in physiological functions since they switched from smoking to e-cigarette use or while dually using e-cigarettes and combustible cigarettes. Confirmatory factor analysis with covariates was applied to explain perceived health changes due to e-cigarette-only use and dual use.ResultsDual users (17.6%) were significantly more likely to report AEs of vaping than e-cigarette-only users (26.2% vs. 11.8%, p < 0.001). Experiencing health improvements were significantly more likely among e-cigarette-only users than for dual users for all surveyed physiological functions. E-cigarette-only users reported larger effects of vaping on sensory, physical functioning, and mental health factors compared to dual users. Self-reported changes in sensory and physical functioning were significantly higher among individuals using e-cigarettes more than a year and people who were past heavy smokers (smoked ≥20 cigarettes per day). Gender was related to sensory improvement only; males reported greater improvement than females.ConclusionsThe majority of e-cigarette-only users reported more perceived beneficial changes in physiological functions and fewer AEs than dual users. Perceived short-term benefits of e-cigarette use may reinforce users despite the uncertainty of long-term health consequences. Health professionals should provide balanced information regarding the possible short- and long-term positive and negative health effects of e-cigarette use during consultations with patients.

Multi-item Measures of Tobacco Health Perceptions: A Review.

Objective: In this paper, we review multi-item measures of tobacco risk perceptions and health beliefs, describe the measures' content and quality, and identify measure development opportunities. Methods: We identified 110 articles that included measures assessing perceptions of tobacco's health effects by combining multiple items into a score. We coded measures' provenance (newly developed vs built on prior measures), content, consistency with risk-perception researcher recommendations (eg, specifying use conditions), samples used, and reliability and validity. Results: Most measures were newly developed or built on the Smoking Consequences Questionnaire. Few measures assessed perceptions of non-cigarette products, and some health harms rarely were assessed. Few measures specified product use conditions. Over half of studies assessed reliability, which was typically high. Most assessed validity by comparing scores by use status, finding mixed results. Conclusions: Several measures of cigarette risk perceptions included a range of health effects and demonstrated reliability and validity, though they had other shortcomings (eg, they did not specify conditions of use). Researchers could help address gaps in measuring tobacco health perceptions by developing quality consensus measures for non-cigarette products, assessing a range of perceived health effects, assessing perceptions relative to other products, specifying use conditions, and showing multiple types of validity in diverse subpopulations.

Experiences of a prolonged coal-mine fire

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the perspectives of local residents regarding the impact of the long-duration Hazelwood open cut coal mine fire in rural Australia.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative approach was undertaken involving 27 in-depth interviews with adults who lived in the town of Morwell, immediately adjacent to the coal mine fire.FindingsParticipant concerns focussed upon fear and confusion during the event, the perceived health effects of the smoke, anger towards authorities and loss of a sense of community and sense of security. One of the significant ways in which people managed these responses was to normalise the event. The long duration of the event created deep uncertainty which exaggerated the impact of the fire.Research limitations/implicationsUnderstanding the particular nature of the impact of this event may assist the authors to better understand the ongoing human impact of long-duration disasters in the future.Practical implicationsIt is important to provide clear and understandable quality information to residents during and after such disasters.Originality/valueWhile there is an extensive literature exploring the direct social and psychological impacts of acute natural disasters, less qualitative research has been conducted into the experiences of longer term critical events.

Perceived Health Effects of Charcoal Production among Rural Dwellers of Derived Savannah Zone of Nigeria

Perceived Health Effects of Charcoal Production among Rural Dwellers of Derived Savannah Zone of Nigeria

User-identified electronic cigarette behavioral strategies and device characteristics for cigarette smoking reduction

BackgroundThere is limited evidence on how cigarette smokers use electronic cigarettes (ECIGs) for smoking cessation and reduction. This study used concept mapping, a participatory mixed-methods research approach, to identify ECIG use behaviors and device characteristics perceived to be associated with cigarette smoking cessation or reduction. MethodsCurrent ECIG users aged 18–64 were recruited from seven cities selected randomly from U.S. census tract regions. Participants were invited to complete concept mapping tasks: brainstorming, sorting and rating (n=72). During brainstorming, participants generated statements in response to a focus prompt (“A SPECIFIC WAY I HAVE USED electronic cigarettes to reduce my cigarette smoking or a SPECIFIC WAY electronic cigarettes help me reduce my cigarette smoking is…”) and then sorted and rated the statements. Multidimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analyses were used to generate a cluster map that was interpreted by the research team. ResultsEight thematic clusters were identified: Convenience, Perceived Health Effects, Ease of Use, Versatility and Variety, Advantages of ECIGs over Cigarettes, Cigarette Substitutability, Reducing Harms to Self and Others, and Social Benefits. Participants generated several statements that related to specific behavioral strategies used when using ECIGs for smoking reduction/complete switching behaviors such as making rapid transitions from smoking to ECIG use or using certain ECIG liquids or devices. Former smokers rated the Perceived Health Effects cluster and several behavioral strategy statements higher than current smokers. ConclusionsThese results help to identify ECIG use behaviors and characteristics perceived by ECIG users to aid in cigarette smoking cessation or reduction.

Exposure of Air Pollution and Its Health Effects in Traffic Police Persons of Gwalior City, India

ABSTRACTThis article examines the perceived health effects of air pollution among traffic police persons of Gwalior city, India. The first part of the results reveals the health effects of air pollution on respondents and the second part reports the awareness of respondents regarding air pollution, pollutants, particulate pollutants, gaseous pollutants, and sources of pollutants etc. This perceptional study examines twenty-two types of health effects and an option for other health effects was also included. Eye irritation and sleeplessness were found consistently while difficulty in concentration, headache, sneezing, and nose irritation were found in less extant. A part of health effects were very serious and not curable. Traffic police persons were neither aware adequately regarding air pollutants nor used any type of personal protective equipment. The study covers respondents of four age categories: 15–24, 25–34, 35–44, and 45-above.

User identified positive outcome expectancies of electronic cigarette use: A concept mapping study.

Electronic cigarette (ECIG) use is growing in popularity, but little is known about the perceived positive outcomes of ECIG use. This study used concept mapping (CM) to examine positive ECIG outcome expectancies. Sixty-three past 30-day ECIG users (38.1% female) between the ages of 18 and 64 (M = 37.8, SD = 13.3) completed a CM module. In an online program, participants provided statements that completed a prompt: "A specific positive, enjoyable, or exciting effect (i.e., physical or psychological) that I have experienced WHILE USING or IMMEDIATELY AFTER USING an electronic cigarette/electronic vaping device is. . . ." Participants (n = 35) sorted 123 statements into "piles" of similar content and rated (n = 43) each statement on a 7-point scale (1 = Definitely NOT a positive effect to 7 = Definitely a positive effect). A cluster map was created using data from the sorting task, and analysis indicated a 7 cluster model of positive ECIG use outcome expectancies: Therapeutic/Affect Regulation, High/Euphoria, Sensation Enjoyment, Perceived Health Effects, Benefits of Decreased Cigarette Use, Convenience, and Social Impacts. The Perceived Health Effects cluster was rated highest, although all mean ratings were greater than 4.69. Mean cluster ratings were compared, and females, younger adults, past 30-day cigarette smokers, users of more "advanced" ECIG devices, and nonlifetime (less than 100 lifetime cigarettes) participants rated certain clusters higher than comparison groups (ps < 0.05). ECIG users associate positive outcomes with ECIG use. ECIG outcome expectancies may affect product appeal and tobacco use behaviors and should be examined further to inform regulatory policies. (PsycINFO Database Record

An ethnographic study of salt use and humoral concepts in a Latino farm worker community in California\u2019s Central Valley

BackgroundThis article reports on the use of domestic or table salt for its perceived health effects and healing properties in a Latino farmworker community. It explores how contemporary salt usage beliefs can be seen to have roots in long-standing humoral theories of medicine and health.MethodsThis qualitative investigation comprised 30 in-depth individual interviews and five focus groups conducted in Spanish with Mexican and Central American immigrants in one small city in California’s Central Valley (N = 61 total participants). Interviews and focus groups were audiotaped, translated into English and transcribed. Several researchers independently and iteratively read transcripts, developed and applied codes, and engaged in thematic analysis.ResultsStrongly emergent themes identified the importance of balance in health, and beliefs about the effects on salt on health. Valued for its culinary role, for bringing out the flavors in food, and used by people of all ages, salt use is part of a robust set of cultural practices. Salt was regularly mixed with foods in different combinations and ingested to restore balance, prevent disequilibrium or reduce vulnerability to diverse illnesses, promote rehydration, and address symptoms of exposure to extremes of temperature or physical or emotional stress. Statements made and practices engaged in by participants were highly suggestive of health and healing beliefs common to humoral belief systems based primarily on a hot-cold dichotomy in classifications of foods and healing behaviors. We evaluate these statements and practices in the context of the existing literature on historical and contemporary humoral beliefs in Latin American communities, in Mexico and Central America, and in the United States.ConclusionHumoral theory is a useful framework for understanding contemporary rural Latino migrant farmworkers’ perceptions of the importance of salt for their health.

Assessment of precautionary measures in agrochemicals usage among urban arable crop farmers in Oyo state, Nigeria

The paper i dentif ied the various agrochemicals used by urban farmers and analysed their level of precautionary measures taken to avert hazards associated with the use of the identified agrochemicals. A sample of 120 urban farmers were used for the study. The findings revealed that majority (86.7%) of the respondents were married with relatively high household size. The average annual income from their farming activities was N 347,649.38. The common agrochemicals used by the farmers with their trade names were paraquat, diazinion, weed-off, round-up and premextra.. It was observed that that frequency of use of herbicides (b= - 0. 2 49) and fungicides (b=0.361) had significant relationship with the level of precautionary measures observed by the farmers. Correlation analysis revealed that level of precautionary measures observed by farmers had a positive relationship with the perceived health effects (r= 0.209; P≤0.022) of agro-chemicals . It was also revealed that farmers’ knowledge of health hazards in relation to agrochemical usages was low. The study recommends rigorous campaign on the hazzards associated with the use of agro-chemicals among urban farmers by extension agents and social workers with a view to reducing the health hazards that may result from improper precautionary measures. Key W ords: Precautionary measures, Agrochemicals, Urban farmers, Arable crops